Everyone comes from a different culture whose customs and ethics are quite unique. I, myself, am Polish. Being able to say that I am Polish-American is something I truly do take pride in. While Polish tradition is one of a kind compared to other nationalities, us Poles hold our folklore to a very important standard. If you grew up in a Polish-American household, there is no doubt you will be able to relate to some of these distinct Polish customs.
1. Polish Food.
Polish people love to eat... that's why we are all just a tad overweight. Pierogi, Golabki, Placki Ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), sauerkraut, Kielbasa, Chrusciki... need I say more?
2. Our unpronounceable last names.
I always cringed in elementary school whenever it was time for attendance to be taken. Some teachers still don't know how to properly pronounce my last name... but hey, it's okay. A for effort.
3. Polish Dance.
If you grew up in a Polish-American household, you might have danced for PNA or PRCUA. And while you might have dreaded it as a child, you now hold those memories of celebrating your culture dear to your heart. Us Poles take pride in our native dances and intricate costumes. Our beautifully colored costumes are showcased in a number of different national dances such as the Krawkoiak, Mazur, Oberek, and the Polonaise.
4. The Polka.
Speaking of Polish dance...Wedding? Break out the Polka. School dance? Break out the polka. Awkward situation? Break out the Polka. Starting at a very young age, the Polka was a distinct dance move taught to me by all of my family members. I've gotten pretty good at the Polka too, if I do say so myself.
5. Fat Tuesday = Paczki Day.
You call it Fat Tuesday, we call it Paczki Day. Us poles do love our fair share of desserts... and food in general. What a great way to begin Lent...not.
6. Singing Sto-Lat at every birthday party.
This song is so popular that even non-Poles sing it too!
5.You probably call your Grandparents Busia/Babcia and Dziadek.
If your Busia was anything like mine, she was a beautiful and strong woman who I still look up to today. Though my Busia is no longer with us, I will forever remember her famous phrase, "I'll smack your dupa!" if my cousins or I didn't stop misbehaving. While Polish grandparents were stern, you still love and appreciate them for shaping you into the person you are today.
6. Oplatki at Christmas.
It isn't Christmas without passing around the Oplatki! This tradition is one Poles hold to be essential for every Christmas Eve get together. Yes, I did say Christmas Eve. And let me tell you, it does get a bit hectic on Christmas Eve when you have Polish blood on both your mom and your dad's side.
7. Polish alcohol cures all.
Not only was there an unlimited supply of alcohol in general in the household, there was also decent amount of polish alcohol within that stash, which seemed to be the cure for any medical issue.
8. Every family get together is loud.
Unfortunately, God did not grace us with inside voices. We can't help it. We are loud and we are proud.9. The Pope is everywhere.
The Polish Pope that is. St. Pope John Paul II was loved for many reasons, one of which was his nationality.
10. Our undeniable Polish pride.
Polish pride is popular within our culture. We embrace who we are and want others to know just where we came from. Na Zdrowie!
