Both sides of my family have an Eastern European heritage. Because of this, there are certain ideas and traditions that we still carry on today. This is a list of some of these things that are true for my family’s Polish roots, and people who come from a similar background can hopefully relate.

1. You’re probably from the North

(The largest communities of Polish-American families are from the Northeast and Chicago areas)

2. You’ve heard of the PNA (Polish National Alliance)

And probably know at least a couple people who have been members

3. And were most likely a member of either a PNA or other dance group when you were a child, and know relatives who also danced

(And have many pictures to prove it)

4. You have a Babci

5. Who still goes to the Polish market in town

6. Who also likes to force you to eat

7. And the food she forces you to eat are pierogi and kielbasa that she makes for dinner

(The potato and cheese pierogi are the best)

8. This same Babci also has at least one picture of Pope John Paul II in her house, and she makes sure you know he’s Polish

9. You also know that Chopin is Polish, and your Babci may also have an image of him somewhere

10. Christmas isn’t the same without oplatki

11. You know it’s Easter when the pisanki eggs make an appearance in the house

12. You’ve been woken up by Polka music in the morning

A sure sign that cleaning will be happening soon

13. At least one of your relatives has a Polish pride product

14. Family get togethers are always interesting, as they tend to be crazy especially when alcohol is involved

15. Someone in your family either has and/or can play the accordion (This would be my dad)

16. You know someone who had a polka band at their wedding (In my family, it was my parents)