Valentine's Day is rather a big holiday in Poland,
but not very old. It isn't a Polish tradition and it
came to our country at the end of 90. in XX
century from France, Germany and America.
Now it is very popular rather among young people
- teenagers and kids celebrate this holiday at
school and in their houses. They send handmade
Valentine's cards, bake cakes, buy cute toys (like
teddy bears with red heart), give or get flowers
especially red roses, sweets or some personal
gifts. There are some events at schools like
quizzes, contests, shows, dancing and singing.
Adults usually go out in the evening to the
restaurant and the cinema or buy jewellery or
lingerie. Some people go for short trips.
Valentine's Day in our school.
Not everyone accepts this holiday because of
commercial character of this event. Some
weeks before 14th February public places
(shops, streets) are decorated with red
hearts, flowers and other symbols of love.
Traders insist to buy sweets, lollipops, boxes
of chocolate, soft toys etc. Restaurants
tempt by special offer for lovers.
Some people treat this holiday like an
example of americanization of our culture
and are afraid that this custom will oust
Polish traditions.
Polish equivalent of Valentines is Noc Kupały called
Sobótka or Noc Świętojańska celebrated at night
21/22th June. At this night people used to get in
pairs. It is the shortest night and it's a holiday
of fire, water, sun, moon, joy, love, fertility and
harvest.
Men jump through the fire to protect
from bad luck and evil and to get
cleaned. Herbs are burnt in the fire.
People dance and try to tell fortunes.
Girls make wreaths and throw them in the
river to find out when they get married.
Many people look for fern's flower
which brings wealth, power and
wisdom.