Spring - Polish Traditions

by Agnieszka Sadraei

Spring Equinox:

Drawning of a straw doll symbolising goddess Marzanna, known also as Marzana, Morana, Morena, Zmora or Death – in Slavic mythology (Slavic people lived in north-Eastern Europe) – personalisation of winter and eath but also rebirth and cycles of nature. Her name comes from old indo-european core mar-  or mor- meaning death (like demon Mara in Buddhism) – in the context of her function in mythology is linked inextricably to the end of winter and beginning of spring.

Easter – moveable

Now connected to Catholic church but definitely with roots in pagan tradition: eggs painting, using green plants such as /sprigs of boxwood, bittercress, myrtle, catkins – for house decoration – all symbolizing the renewal of life, rebirth, regeneration.

My Mum’s old collection of painted wooden eggs

My Mum’s little basket with food to be taken for blessing in the church – eggs, bread, sausage (people put various foods in)

In my house it is more mixed traditions – nature-connected, Taoist and Buddist

With my dog we go to the forest to look for first flowers – here she has found a crocus

Mid-April

I just found out that there is a feast to God Jar – God of Fertility, but have not other information on that 😊