Notes
May 9, 2012
Jajka Faszerowane
We have a confession to make. We really like eggs. Scrambled, boiled, fried, pickled, deviled, whipped, coddled, or with a slab of bacon – we’ll have it all and then some! So whenever we get the opportunity to celebrate eggs in whatever shape and form, we do it. And why not? Eggs are one of… Read more
April 26, 2012
Oscypek
There’s always a reason to celebrate food – especially if that food is cheese. Take it a step further by slapping said cheese on the grill between two generously buttered slices of bread, and we have an even bigger reason to party it up. So let’s give a big hurrah for the month of April… Read more
April 19, 2012
Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin
Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin, 1810 – 1849, was a renowned Polish-born pianist and composer whose musical legacy continues to resonate with people today. Inventor of musical forms such as the instrumental ballade, Chopin also revolutionized other types of compositions such as the piano sonata, the waltz, the nocturne, and the polonaise. Need more proof of his… Read more
April 13, 2012
Superstitions
Are you superstitious? You may not think so, but Friday the 13th – notorious for being a bad luck day – has the ability to unnerve even the staunchest of unbelievers. And while it would be inaccurate to claim that all Poles are deeply superstitious, Poland, like any other culture, has its own set of… Read more
April 2, 2012
Pisanki
Egg decorating originates from an ancient pagan tradition when eggs, a symbol of life and the rebirth of the earth, were decorated with symbols of nature as an integral part of spring rituals. These egg talismans were believed to be endowed with magical properties that ensured both a bountiful harvest and good health. However with… Read more
March 20, 2012
Drowning of Marzanna
The first day of spring is finally here! This means saying goodbye to the dark winter days and saying hello to budding flowers, the sun, and ice cream for breakfast. In Poland, the vernal equinox (the first day of spring) also means taking part in the Drowning of Marzanna – an ancient pagan tradition that… Read more
March 14, 2012
Pi Day
Pi Day is a holiday that commemorates the mathematical constant π (pi). It’s observed on March 14th because the date’s format adhere’s to the most used approximation for π – 3.14. Created by physicist Larry Shaw in 1988, the first celebration took place at the San Francisco Exploratorium where people marched around in a circle… Read more
March 8, 2012
Wisława Szymborska
Wisława Szymborska (pronounced Vee-Swah-Vah Shim-Bor-Ska), was one of Poland’s most popular poets, who rose to international fame when she won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996. Sadly, she passed away last month, but we were once again reminded of why she is one of our all-time favorite writers. Not just because she happens to… Read more
February 28, 2012
Floral Design Day
Floral design is an important cultural art form that has spanned thousands of years – and today is a day to enjoy and appreciate flowers in all shapes and forms. Whether they’re arranged into bouquets or printed on fabric, flowers are an integral part of both our social and visual landscape. In Poland, flowers play… Read more
February 14, 2012
Private Wojtek
Wojtek, pronounced “voytek”, was a magnificent 500 lb Syrian brown bear who served in World War II alongside a unit of Polish soldiers. Adopted as a cub by members of the Second Corps – Wojtek grew up among the soldiers believing he was a man just like the others. He loved cigarettes, drank beer right… Read more
