Wielki Post * Lent Wielki Post means literally "the Great Fast." Lent is a time of special services, retreats, fasting and individual acts of penance. Liquor and raucous entertainment are avoided, and very few weddings take place. Meat and snacks are avoided on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during this period. For Polish Catholics, Lent is the most reflective spiritual season, a time of the church calendar cycle for prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and reflection on the mystical nature of redemption. Specific to the Polish Roman Catholic celebration of Lent is the Lenten Lamentations, which are sung each week throughout Polonia. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Lent
Originating in the 4th century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter.
As we know, Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for Him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation. By observing Lent, most Christians join Jesus on His retreat.
Lent for most Catholics is a special time. The forty days of Lent remind us of giving up something that is a sacrifice, acts of self-denial, acts that are geared to remind us of Christ. Lent is sacred and spiritual for every Christian. This is the season that reminds us of the great sacrifice of Christ for each one of us. Centuries ago Jesus Christ went through an agony, a scourging, a crowning and a crucifixion. The tragedy of Good Friday led to the triumph of Easter Sunday. The acts of self-denial, the acts of sacrifice we make during this season helps us identify with the sacrifices of Christ. Uniting our sacrifice with that of Christ, uniting our pain with his, Lent is set aside just to remind us of these factors.
Lent is marked by a time of prayer and preparation to celebrate Easter. Since Sundays celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the 40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays in Lent. The number 40 is connected with many biblical events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for His ministry by facing the temptations that could lead him to abandon his mission and calling. Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.
Pączki Day /Fat Thursday Pączki(punch-key) Day is the feastof plenty before the Lenten fast begins. It is the last day of gaiety in Karnawaltime, the period between Christmas and Lent. This is the time for sleigh parties called Kulig. To mark the last moments of excess before the austerity of Lenten sacrifice, Polish Roman Catholics celebrate Paczki Day.
On this day the traditional deep fried pastries (something like jelly doughnuts) are enjoyed throughout the world's Polonias. This joyous activity precedes the Gorzkie Zale (lamentation services) of Lent in Polonian churches. In Poland, Pączki Day takes place the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, called Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday). Long lines form in front of the bakeries in Polonia, and millions of Pączkiare sold.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday preceding Easter Sunday, is the first day of the season of Lent. Its name comes from the ancient practice of placing ashes on worshippers’ heads or foreheads as a sign of humility before God, a symbol of mourning and sorrow. Lent is a season for penance, reflection and fasting in order to prepare ourselves for Christ's Resurrection and for our Redemption. The Ashes
The ashes are made from the previous years blessed palms from Palm Sunday. Why we receive the ashes
The ashes imposed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church to help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice. Ashes remind us of our original sin and our need of redemption, - our need to be cleansed of sin and made worthy of Salvation.... "Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return".
The custom is from an old ceremony. Christians who had committed grave faults were obliged to do public penance. On Ash Wednesday the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the holy place because of their sins, as Adam, the first man was turned out of paradise on account of his disobedience. They did not enter the Church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later on, all Christians, either public or secret penitents, came out of devotion to receive ashes.
Lenten LamentationsGorzkie Żale
The Ancient chants retracing the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ form the essence of this typically Polish weekly Lenten service that takes its name from the words of the hymn, "Gorzkie zale przybywajcia" (Come to us, bitter lamentations). Many Poles know the texts of the entire three-part cycle by heart.
The Gorzkie Zale [Lenten] began in Warsaw's Holy Cross Church during the 1700s. The devotion incorporates prose and verse, chant and reading, prayer and meditation, inviting participants to reflect on the mystery of Christian redemption, the Passion and death of the Christ. This deep appreciation for the Passion is seen in the most popular Polish image of Christ, Chrystus Frasobliwy, the so-called "sorrowing Christ," which depicts Christ in the Garden, bent in prayer and sorrow. The Lamentations highlight the very emotional nature of Polish spirituality, inviting a personal identification with the Suffering Lord and His Mother. The devotion is most often preceded by Benediction and chanted kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament
Droga Krzyzowa * Stations of the Cross
Like other Roman Catholics, Poles perform the Way of the Cross devotion year-round, but focus intensely on it during Lent. Each of the 14 Stations represents one moment of the Lord's Passion and Death. The faithful follow the Priest through the church, kneeling at each station. The Polish Stations are for the most part chanted/sung.
Similar to all Catholic Way of the Cross devotions, each Station begins with the Priest intoning: " We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, the congregation then responds: " Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world." After the reflective content of each station, it is concluded with an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be… Finally the Priest chants, "Ktorys za nas cierpial rany," and the congregation responds, "Jezu Chryste, zmiluj sie nad nami." (Christ, Have mercy on us.) This concluding refrain echoes the Kyrie of the Mass, and also concludes the Gorzkie Zale.
Blessing of the Food Basket Foods & Symbolism Świeconka
Blessing of the food is one of the most enduring and beloved Polish traditions. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Easter evergreen. Poles take special pride in preparing a decorative and tasteful basket with crisp linens, occasionally embroidered for the occasion, and just enough boxwood and ribbon woven through the handle. Observing the beautiful foods and creations of other parishioners is one of the special joys of the event.
Each of the foods which traditionally makes up the Easter basket has a deep and symbolic meaning: Butter This favourite dairy product is often shaped into a lamb (Baranek Wielkanocny) or a cross. This reminds us of the goodness of Christ that we should have toward all things. Easter bread - A round loaf, symbolic of Jesus, who is our true Bread of Life. Horseradish with grated red beets - Symbolic of the Passion of Christ still in our minds but sweetened with some sugar because of the Resurrection. Eggs. Eggs were always considered as a symbol of the resurrection, the emergence of a new life. At Easter our Saviour came forth from the tomb as the chick after breaking the shell at birth. Because of this special meaning, it is fitting that Easter eggs be coloured or decorated. They are the favoured object of our national art and are known to us as "pisanki." Sausage - A spicy sausage of pork products, indicative of God's favour and generosity. Ham - Symbolic of great joy and abundance. Some prefer lamb or veal. The lamb also reminds Catholics that the Risen Christ is the 'Lamb of God." Salt - So necessary an element in our physical life, that Jesus used its symbolism: "You are the salt of the earth." Cheese - it is the symbol of the moderation Christians should have at all times. Candle - is also inserted into the basket to represent Christ, the Light of the World.
Easter Breakfast
After Easter Mass, the faithful hurry home to feast on the delicacies denied during Lent. Cold dishes predominate like ham, kielbasa, roast meats, pasztat (pate), hard-boiled eggs in various sauces, salads, beet and horseradish relish, followed by such cakes as babka, mazurek and sernik. In some families the breakfast starts with a tart, whitish soup containing eggs and kielbasa, known as bialy barszcz in eastern Poland and zurek elsewhere.
"Written" Eggs Pisanki
In many parts of the world one finds ancient myths in which the Egg features as a symbol of the Sun, Spring and Revival of Nature. Ethnologists of the 20th century have discovered that the ancient beliefs of many peoples regarded the Egg of Light as a source from which the world had sprung, developing from Chaos to Order. Pisanki were most popular in Eastern countries, particularly in Poland, The Ukraine and Russia.
Christianity imbued the painted egg with new meanings transforming it into the Easter egg and giving it a new symbolism but it could not totally eradicate the elements of pagan beliefs associated with the painted egg. Easter eggs, blessed in church by a priest, were continued to be used as a sort of charm for many different occasions: to be placed under the corner stone of a house; to help making bees to give more honey; to guard against misadventure on a journey; to secure happiness in marriage; to promote multiplication in the animal, floral and human worlds, to a name but a few of its functions
A sign of fertility, the egg plays an important part in the ancient tradition and history of Poland. Throughout the years, the egg was associated with traditions involving the beginning of Spring, the birth of new life, and the fertility and growth of abundant crops and livestock. Not only that, but colourful and decorated eggs, "pisanki" were given as gifts during a Polish courtship. Traditionally, the eggs were coloured and decorated by the women of the village on Holy Thursday or Good Friday.
Although the term pisanki has come to mean Easter eggs in general, strictly speaking it refers only to those eggs decorated with the molten-wax technique. Depending on how they were decorated, the eggs were called a variety of names...."malowane" or "kraszone" (solid coloured eggs), and "pisanki" (eggs with intricate patterns, images and inscriptions depicting the symbols of Easter, of life, of prosperity). Various regions have developed designs of their own, which include floral and geometric patterns, typical Easter motifs (the Lamb, Cross, pussy willow), the greeting, "Wesolego Alleluja," or simply "Alleluja" and the current year. These beautifully decorated eggs are placed in the swieconka on Holy Saturday as a symbol of new life and Christ's Resurrection from the tomb.
In Poland a lot of their original symbolic meanings have been forgotten. They are now predominantly used in the religious festivities of Easter and not as universal charms. Whatever your personal views and beliefs they remain a joy to the eye and an exiting field for ethnographic studies. Even those who do not care for pisanki prehistoric and Christian symbolism cannot help enjoying the art of pisanki
Holy Week Wielki Tydzien
The culmination of Lent is Holy Week, appropriately known in Polish as "the Great Week." The most important are the first day, Palm Sunday, and the last three, known by the Latin term, "Triduum." The remaining days are largely set aside for the physical preparation for Easter: shopping, baking and house-cleaning. From Palm Sunday through the Resurrection Procession at Sunrise on Easter Sunday, thus is the single period of time in which Polish Catholics will spend the most time in devotion at church. These devotions intensify in the Triduum, beginning on Holy Thursday. Kalwaria (Calvary) is the name of Polish retreat and pilgrimage centers used especially during Holy Week. The best known is Kalwaria Zebrzydowska near Pope John Paul II’s birthplace of Wadowic.
Palm SundayNiedziela Palmowa
In the past, Palm Sunday was called Floral Sunday(Niedziela Kwietna), because bouquets of wildflowers, pussy willows and evergreens were blessed in churches, rather than real, subtropical palms, which were not available.
The pussy willow branches cut several weeks ahead and placed in water so they sprout their furry, little buds by Palm Sunday. According to one old folk custom, swallowing one of the buds was said to ensure health all year.
Parishioners process with the palms through the streets around the parish, celebrating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Many Polish regions craft a special floral stick in lieu of or addition to the palms. These are also blessed and carried in procession, like palms.
Holy WednesdayWielka Sroda Effigy of Judas(Topienie Judasza). On Holy Wednesday, youngsters enjoyed hurling an effigy of Judas from the church steeple. It was then dragged through the village, pounded with sticks and stones and what was left of it was drowned in a nearby pond or river.
Holy ThursdayWielki Czwartek
Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Christ instituted the priesthood. In cathedrals, bishops wash the feet of 12 parishioners just as Christ did his apostles before the supper. Following this evening "Washing of the Feet," in which the Host will be Consecrated for the Last Time until the Easter Vigil, it is customary to perform the "Seven Churches" Visitation. The faithful make pilgrimage to seven different local churches, at which Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament continues until late into the night.
Good FridayWielki Piatek
Good Friday, the most somber day of the year, is a day of solemn church services centering on the Death of Christ. In homes where Easter preparations are well underway, music is not played and an atmosphere of reverence is maintained.
Many hours are spent in devotion at church. The altar is bare, the services--for the only time of the Church year--do not include the Consecration of the Host, symbolizing the desolation of the world without God. Services include the distinctive Veneration of the Cross, in which the crucifix is either carried into the church or unveiled, and then venerated or kissed by the faithful. In many parishes, the crucifix is borne by men of the parish and carried throughout the streets which were the path of Palm Sunday's joyous procession. This funeral procession in the streets is accompanied by alter boys wielding special wooden clappers (klekotki, grzechotki) rhythmically ringing out the nailing of Jesus to the Cross. The sorrowful mood is enhanced by such plaintive hymns as "Ludu, moj ludu" and "W Krzyzu cierpienie."
Grave of the LordGrób Pański, Boży Grób
On Good Friday, the violet draping is removed from the Crucifix, which is displayed for public veneration, and a tableau of Christ's Tomb is unveiled. Many of the faithful spend long hours into the night grieving at the Tomb, where it is customary to kiss the wounds on the Lord's body. A life-size figure of Christ lying in His tomb is widely visited by the faithful, especially on Holy Saturday. The tableaux may include flowers, candles, figures of angels standing watch, the three crosses atop Mt. Calvary and much more. Each parish strives to come up with the most artistically and religiously evocative arrangement in which the Blessed Sacrament, draped in a filmy veil, is prominently displayed.
Easter Vigil Wigilia Paschalne
The Easter Vigil Mass takes place late Holy Saturday evening. This Mass is distinctive because the liturgy is centered around fire and water. The Service of Light begins with the lighting of a bonfire at the rear entrance to the church. The Vigil, a solemn and overwhelming Mass, begins in the dark of night serving as a Christian passover as Jesus passed from death to life. It consists of four parts:
a) The Service of Light
b) The Liturgy of the Word -
c) The Liturgy of Baptism
d) The Liturgy of the Eucharist The Service of Light dramatically emphasizes the darkness of the world without God (experienced on Good Friday) and the shocking brilliance of the Resurrection. It begins with all lights in the church extinguished. The bonfire (the "new fire") is then blessed. It symbolizes hope in the darkness.
The Paschal candle is lit from the blessed fire. The candle is then prepared with ancient symbols: the cross, the Alpha and Omega, and the year. Grains of incense are inserted into this design symbolizing the wounds of Christ's Passion.
The Candle is then carried into the dark church in procession. A priest or cantor's voice rings out of the darkness in a repeated chant: " Christ our light," to which the faithful reply, " Thanks be to God " (As the procession moves forward, the Paschal candle may be used to light individual candles held by the congregation.)
The Procession is followed by the beautiful song/chant, the Exsultet (Easter Proclamation). Sung by a priest, deacon, or cantor, this ancient song-poem begins "Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing choirs of angels...O Mother Church! Exult in glory!" The songs continues to name the night" This is the night..”.) dispelled by the Morning Star. The Liturgy of the Word then begins. As this is the ultimate Vigil, nine readings are provided, seven from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament (the Epistle and the Gospel). The Old Testament emphasis recalls how God's people have been saved throughout history. Each reading is followed by a Responsorial Psalm (and an intention). After the Gospel and Homily, the Mass moves on to the Liturgy of Baptism.
The Liturgy of Baptism, in which children and adults may be Baptized and brought into the church community, begins with singing/chanting the Litany of the Saints. This litany invokes the patrons who will guide the newly baptized. The Priest then blesses the Baptismal Water culminating as the Easter candle is three times lowered into the water, symbolizing the descent into death and rising into new life. The candidates (or their sponsors) then make their Baptismal promises, followed by the Sacrament of Baptism. The Liturgy of the Eucharist which takes place in every Mass is especially significant at this paschal sacrifice. After Holy Communion, the deacon or priest sings/chants " The Mass is ended, go in peace. Alleluia, Alleluia " to which the congregation replies, " Thanks be to God, Alleluia, Alleluia " These final exclamations proclaim the Easter message.
Polish Catholics, follow this Vigil Mass with a Resurrection Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, similar to that of Easter Morning (Rezurekcja).
Easter SundayResurrection Procession Rezurekcja
The Rezurekcja is the joyous Easter morning Mass at daybreak when church bells ring out and explosions resound to commemorate Christ rising from the dead. Before the Mass begins at dawn, a festive procession with the Blessed Sacrament carried beneath a canopy encircles the church. As church bells ring out, handbells are vigorously shaken by altar boys, the air is filled with incense and the faithful raise their voices heavenward in a triumphant rendering of age-old Easter hymns. After the BlessedSacrament is carried throughout the streets around the church and Adoration is complete, the Easter Mass begins.
Easter Breakfast
After Easter Mass, the faithful hurry home to feast on the delicacies denied during Lent. Cold dishes predominate like ham, kielbasa, roast meats, pasztat (pate), hard-boiled eggs in various sauces, salads, beet and horseradish relish, followed by such cakes as babka, mazurek and sernik. In some families the breakfast starts with a tart, whitish soup containing eggs and kielbasa, known as bialy barszcz in eastern Poland and zurek elsewhere. Sharing of the EggDzielenie Się Jajkiem
Before Easter breakfast begins, members of the family consume wedges of the blessed Easter eggs and exchange best.
Easter MondaySmigus Dyngus
Easter Monday is a holiday in Poland. Wet Easter Monday (Dyngus Day) was traditionally the day boys tried to drench girls with squirt guns, buckets of water, and much more. The girls got their chances for revenge the following day. Now the Monday is usually celebrated by everyone drenching or sprinkling each other. The origin of this custom is unknown. Some say it is a pagan tradition handed down from the earliest settlers in Poland. During these ancient times, not only water was used during Smigus-Dyngus, but gifts were also exchanged, most often eggs. Others assert it is a reminder that the sinner has been washed clean in the blood of Christ, newly risen from the dead.
The church discouraged these practices, even threatening excommunication. During King Wladyslaw Jagiello's reign, a resolution was passed forbidding these practices. Never-the-less, Dyngus remained a popular pastime throughout the country. Every year, on Easter Monday, the boys would lie in wait armed with buckets of water waiting for the girls to come out of their houses. As soon as they appeared, the boys doused them with water. The girls reciprocated in kind.
The Easter season in Poland ends on Monday when the traditional "Dyngus-Smigus" custom is observed. It is a humorous Easter time custom. The young people break the solemnity of Easter by a burst of frivolity. They visit from house to house singing songs, playing pranks and merrymaking.
These drenchings were carried out with such gusto that it wasn't only the girls that got wet. If a local priest or any other villager happened by, he would also get his share of the wetting. It was not uncommon for the drenchings to take place by the local pond or river if there was one nearby, where there was a copious supply of water! On this one day of the year (sometimes called wet Monday) every one took their soaking in good spirit! No one was hurt, just wet!
Ash Wednesday
Lenten Lamentations Gorzkie Żale
