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General Terms for Celebrations

One of the most basic yet essential words you need to know is “święto” which means “holiday” or “celebration.” This term can be used for both public holidays and personal celebrations.

– Dziś jest ważne święto w Polsce.
(Today is an important holiday in Poland.)

Another important word is “urodziny,” which means “birthday.”

– Ona ma dzisiaj urodziny.
(It’s her birthday today.)

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Specific Festivals and Celebrations

Poland is known for its vibrant festivals and cultural events. The term “festiwal” is a direct borrowing from English and is used in Polish too.

– W lipcu odbywa się festiwal jazzowy.
(In July, there is a jazz festival.)

Christmas and Easter hold significant importance in Poland, known as “Boże Narodzenie” and “Wielkanoc” respectively.

– Lubimy dekorować choinkę na Boże Narodzenie.
(We like to decorate the Christmas tree for Christmas.)
– Wielkanoc jest czasem nadziei.
(Easter is a time of hope.)

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Wedding Celebrations

Weddings in Poland are grand and involve various unique customs. The word for wedding is “ślub.”

– Wzięli ślub w starym kościele.
(They got married in an old church.)

The wedding reception, which follows the ceremony, is called “wesele.”

– Wesele było bardzo huczne.
(The wedding reception was very lively.)

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New Year Celebrations

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Polish are referred to as “Sylwester” and “Nowy Rok.”

– Na Sylwestra organizujemy przyjęcie.
(We are throwing a party for New Year’s Eve.)
– Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku!
(Happy New Year!)

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Traditional Songs and Wishes

Music and well-wishes play a big part in Polish festivities. The word for “song” is “piosenka.”

– Śpiewali tradycyjne piosenki świąteczne.
(They sang traditional Christmas songs.)

When it comes to wishes, “życzenia” is the term used.

– Składam Ci najlepsze życzenia urodzinowe.
(I offer you the best birthday wishes.)

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Decorations and Gifts

Decorations, or “dekoracje,” enhance the festive spirit, and gifts, or “prezenty,” are often exchanged during Polish celebrations.

– Dom był pełen dekoracji świątecznych.
(The house was full of holiday decorations.)
– Dostałem wiele prezentów na urodziny.
(I received many birthday gifts.)

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Food and Feasts

No Polish celebration is complete without a feast. The word for “feast” is “uczta.”

– Uczta była obfita i pyszna.
(The feast was plentiful and delicious.)

Traditional dishes are often referred to collectively as “dania tradycyjne.”

– Na Wielkanoc przygotowujemy dania tradycyjne.
(For Easter, we prepare traditional dishes.)

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Conclusion

Understanding these Polish terms not only equips you with the necessary vocabulary to participate in or discuss Polish celebrations but also provides a deeper appreciation of Polish culture. Whether it’s a national holiday, a family birthday, or a cultural festival, these phrases will help you communicate more effectively and enrich your experiences during Polish festivities.