Święta: Walentynki i Boże Narodzenie

Valentine’s day
February 14 (fourteen) is known as St (saint) Valentine’s Day.
It is mainly observed by young people who on that day give symbolic gifts to people they love. They also send special greeting cards called Valentines. The contents of Valentines are usually poems or declarations of love, such as:
“Roses are red, violets are blue, grass is green and I love You” It is also commonplace to give the beloved flowers or sweets on that day. Weeks before the fourteenth of February, shop windows are decorated with red paper hearts, red streamers and boxes of chocolates. On Valentine’s Day, many people wear something red, since it is considered to be the colour of love. St (saint) Valentine’s Day is also becoming more and more popular in Poland.

Christmas in Poland
Everyone loves Christmas. It is the favourite and most eagerly awaited holiday in the year. This is a uniqe time when people try to be kind, friendly and generous to one another.
They seem to forget all their problems. Quarrels and just enjoy being together.
Christmas is preceded by many days of preparation. Streets are lit by coloured lamps, shops are full of people buying presents and choosing Christmas cards.
Christmas trees are set up in every home and decorated with sparkling tinsel, candles, chains, toys and trinkets. The atmosphere of excitement and exitation can be felt almost everywhere. People believed that everything that might happen.
Some people say that if you ask for food on that day, you will be hungry throughout the year. The moment everyone waits for is Christmas Eve. When the first stars appears in the sky, people take their seats at the Christmas table.
Another custom is the number of dishes.Traditionaly there should be twelve of them and they must all be tasted. The most popular ishes are red borsch,pies or sour cabbage with mushrooms, fish (usually carp) and poppy-seed cake. Before the family starts eating , all is members share the holy wafer. There is also a custom of giving presents and everyone may find something nice under Christmas tree. At midnight many people go to church to attend a special mass during which Christmas carols are sung.This night is miraculous because it is believed that animals can speak with human voices.Christmas for Polish people is not only the yearly celebration f the birth of Jesus Christ . The birth of Jesus Christ is regarded as a kind of symbol which heralds the days of peace and love.