Intro to Polska! ~Blog Post #1~ April 12, 2015

I decided to choose Poland because I am partially Polish and because my boyfriend and his family are one hundred percent polish. Growing up, and especially now, I have learned a few things about the Polish culture; and I wish to know more. Along with those two reasons, Polish food is delicious! Taught by my Grandma and Mrs. Taczynski, I have learned a few things about the Polish culture. One tradition is Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve for the Polish, there is no meat or drinking alcohol. I have also heard some crazy stories about catching the fish out of a tub in the deli for Christmas Eve. Another thing I learned is the food they eat. It is a variety of meats, fish, potato based products, and more. Through experience, I have seen that they use a lot of pepper when cooking or eating food. One last thing I have learned is the traditional chocolate raspberry cake they eat on holidays. Through this project, I hope to find out why they use the food that they do, more about the traditions, and expand my polish vocabulary. There are three ways in which I found on how Polish food reflects their culture. The first way is that the daily meal is dependent upon the family and season. The second way is that Polish food is a reflection of the friendliness of a Polish person. Having a meal with family is treated as a celebration and guests are always welcome. A third way is that Polish people were the original potato eaters and have become a daily side of Polish meals for centuries. The geography and history also affects the food today. In the past, if bread fell on the ground, it was picked up, kissed, and used to make the sign of the cross. Today, bread is still treated and eaten with reverence. Another historical affect started with the Roman Catholics. The Roman Catholics has rituals of feasting and fasting. Today those rituals have a strong influence on food and traditions. For example, during fasts, no meat is eaten. Fish or meatless meals have become a great part of Polish cuisine today. Geographical wise, vegetables are based on local cool weather crops. 

           

Sources:

1.            “Countries and Their Cultures.” Countries and Their

                              Cultures. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

2.            “Food in Every Country.” Food in Poland. N.p.,

                              n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015

3.            “Poland for Visitors-Poland Travel Guide.” Polish

               Culture and Life Style. N.p., n.d Web. 12 Apr.

               2015