Czepek dance – Money dance The money dance is also an original Polish custom. It takes place after the oczepiny ceremony. Guests pay money for the privilege of dancing with the bride. The maid of honor collects money for the couple to use as they set-up their household together. Today guests pay to dance with both the bride and the groom. At the end of this ceremony, the bride and the groom dance together while the money is counted to determine who has collected more. Wedding cake The ceremonial…
Read MoreMonth: November 2011
“Poles in the New World”
Ed Zawadzki is passionate about his Polish heritage and he’s not afraid to tell everyone he meets. Ed spoke of the many historical accomplishments of the Polish people in his recent visit to Toledo from the Hussars, the best cavalry unit in Europe, even the entire world to middleweight boxing champion, Tony Zale. He spoke at the Toledo Polish Genealogy Society, and the Kielbasa Dinner and Heritage Presentation sponsored by the Polish American Community of Toledo. He also made a visit to Zavotski’s Meats and Deli for a book signing.…
Read MoreThe Polish Wedding
Description of Polish Wedding Customs Wedding day The wedding day is full of activities and emotions, alternating between sorrow and joy, solemnity and humor. Early in the morning, the closest relatives begin to appear at the bride’s home for breakfast and to help in preparations for the ceremony. Next, there is a wedding ceremony at the local church, followed by the reception at the local community house (the bride’s family cottage could hardly accommodate all the wedding guests including relatives, friends, and the entire village.) Greeting with bread & salt…
Read MoreŚwięto Pamięci Zmarłych – All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day
The celebration of All Saints, known and unknown, on November 1st was introduced into the Church Liturgy by Pope John XI in 835, while All Souls’ Day on November 2nd began more than 100 years later in 998, when the Abbot of the Benedictine Monastery at Cluny ordered the Benedictine congregations to say the mass and prayers in the intention of all the deceased. In Polish tradition (w polskiej tradycji), especially the folk one, both these holidays, All Saints’ Day in particular, are devoted to praying for the souls of the dead…
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