Easter – a celebration of hope and tradition. Discover old customs and rituals in the past Poland

Ash Wednesday – The Beginning of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. On this day, the faithful participate in the ritual of having ashes sprinkled on their heads – a symbol of penance and a reminder of human mortality. Traditionally, housewives would cleanse all pots and utensils that had come into contact with meat and animal fats using ash. Ash contains lye – a natural substance that dissolves fats – ensuring the complete removal of any meat residue. During Lent, people refrained from eating meat and animal fats, and on some days, such as Wednesdays and Fridays, they also avoided dairy products. In some villages, nothing of animal origin was consumed throughout the entire Lenten period.

Food at this time was very modest – mostly potatoes, cabbage, and groats – whatever was left from winter supplies, as this was also a time of scarcity. Typical Lenten dishes included sołoducha (a dish made from buckwheat groats), oat jelly, and a soup called kapłan, made from water, oil, onions, salt, and pepper. No festivities, weddings, or even loud laughter were allowed during Lent. The only exception was Mid-Lent Day, when small pranks were permitted, such as throwing a pot of ash into someone’s house or painting windows with lime. No one took offense – on the contrary, it was a cheerful sign that the time of sacrifice was nearing its end.

Holy Week – Cleaning, Silence, and Anticipation

Holy Week began with thorough cleaning. By Holy Wednesday, homes had to be spotless – floors scrubbed, rooms whitewashed. It was about cleansing the space both physically and spiritually.

On Holy Thursday, the Paschal Triduum began. In remembrance of the institution of the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament was transferred to a symbolic “prison” (the altar of repose). Church bells fell silent – traditionally “tied up” – as they were believed to drive away evil. They were replaced with wooden clappers, and children would run through the village with them, announcing the time of mourning.

Good Friday was marked by silence and reflection. It was also the day when Easter dishes were prepared, to be blessed the following day.

Palm Sunday – Willow Branches and the Power of Life

Palm Sunday, also known in the Lublin region as Willow Sunday, commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Women made palms by hand, with a willow branch as the essential element – a symbol of rebirth, since even a dry twig can sprout leaves when planted.

Palms were also adorned with hazel twigs, greenery (like bilberry, periwinkle, and boxwood), and a small cross made of reed – symbolizing Christ’s death. Colorful paper flowers or fresh plants were added as decorations. Once blessed, the palm was believed to possess special power – it was placed behind holy images, used to tap cattle during their first spring pasture, put in windows during storms, and its crumbs burned to help heal the sick.

Another popular tradition was palm striking, where people gently hit each other with palms while saying: “The palm strikes, it does not kill – in a week, it’s bacon!” – a joyful reminder that Lent was coming to an end.

Holy Saturday – Blessing of Food and Elements

Holy Saturday was the day of blessing food. Easter baskets were filled with items still familiar today: eggs, sausage, bread, salt, and butter. The difference was in quantity – people brought entire loaves of bread, large portions of butter, and dozens of eggs. Often, due to long distances to church, people gathered at local landmarks like manor houses or roadside crosses, where the priest would arrive to bless the food. In the evening, water and fire were blessed. Outside the church, a fire was lit using blackthorn wood – symbolizing Christ’s crown of thorns. People took holy water home to use throughout the year – for blessing houses, farms, crops, and before journeys.

Easter Sunday and Wet Monday – The Joy of Resurrection

Easter Sunday began with a Resurrection Mass at dawn. The entire village would attend. After the service, people rushed home – whoever arrived first was believed to have good fortune: the farmer would finish harvest first, and the girl would marry first.

At home, the farm was blessed with holy water and a palm. Families sat down to Easter breakfast, sharing eggs and exchanging good wishes. Sunday was a day of rest and family gatherings.

Easter Monday was celebrated with Śmigus-Dyngus, or Wet Monday. Young boys would douse girls with water – sometimes going so far as to throw them into rivers. Girls often tried to resist, but being splashed was a symbol of beauty, health, and good luck. Those who didn’t want to get wet could “buy their freedom” with a painted egg.

Easter Caroling – A Forgotten Tradition

The second day of Easter also marked the start of Easter caroling, now a largely forgotten tradition. Boys would walk around with decorated palms, and girls with a “spring branch” (gaik) adorned with ribbons and flowers. They would offer well-wishes to villagers and, in return, received small gifts or food from the Easter table.

Information about these traditional customs was provided by Bogusława Głuchowska from the Promotion and Education Department of The Open Air Village Museum in Lublin