BellaOnline Forums Travel and Culture Polish Culture Nov. 11th

I can read about this newsletter from time to time but never know what it is about. Well?

The November 11th holiday probably because of weather getting cold usually at this time of the year and closnes to All Saints Day is celebrated rather quietly. Red and white banners are put out and government official and some patriotic organizations reps lay flowers on all Pilsudski, Mickiewicz and other monuments around the country. Our number one natioanl holiday in my opinion, where we show some pride and joy is May 3rd. At least in Szczecin the May celebrations were recently excellent (concerts, parades, all kinds of public events, parties etc) May holiday is in..... May and along with May 1st holiday gives everybody here a short joyfull spring vacation.
It is an one year anniversary since "Poland" made it into US top entartainment news. Do you remember Bush's "You forgot Poland" Here's an old clip from Daily Show that made me lough: {again}
http://www.goodcowfilms.com/web/poland.wmv

Thanks to everyone! Great ideas and tips
I have a pretty good stock of Vodka (Zubrowka, Krolewska) already. Last time we were in Poland we picked up a couple of sashes (white & red with gold tassels) and other assorted patrotic items. So as far as decorations I think I am fine. There will be a Mass in Polish at the Mission Church earlier in the day then a reception later. The Senior National Rep has agreed to give a talk about the history. So all in all I think I am ready to go! It is also my husband's Name Day so things may start out solemn - but I have a feeling that that won't last too long especially when Leslie starts serving smalec.

And Jaga my face is very red - yes, I am signed up for the newsletter (I find it very imformative) I looked all over for an article and I didn't think to check the calendar! I guess it was too obvious.

Forza - the "You forgot Poland" bit was a source of great amusement around here.

A Dam is you see a bunch of guys in US uniforms say hi! One is mine - he will be the one eating smalec - he loves the stuff.

Holly,

it is good you asked because you gave people the idea for the discussions <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Chris, please be sure to let us all know how everything goes.

Best wishes to your husband on his nameday!

And, if Leslie shows up with smalec ... well, good luck with that!

Nancy

Here in the US November 11th celebrates the armistice that was signed in a railway carriage in the Compiegne forest. It ended the 'war to end all wars'. Or so we thought.

I also celebrate November 10th. Usually with a large gathering, ceremonies and a grand dinner

Here also in the UK we celebrate November 11 as Armistice Day - yes, the date in 1918 at the end of, as you say John, 'the war to end all wars'. Artificial poppies are sold for everyone to wear, there is a 1 (2?) minute silence and a public event at the Cenotaph in London and in many other places throughout the Kingdom (even the Queendom). But as with John's comment, I too wonder about 'the war.. wars' - since then I don't think there has been peace anywhere in the world for very long (if ever) and it continues today, perhaps even more so with global terrorism. Why can't people live in peace??
Leslie <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Pass a word of solidarity to your brave man! And let's lard-party (mentally) together <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Pozdrowienia!

Pozdrowienia! to all. And on November 11th at that !!!!

Here in Poznan we've got another reason to celebrate on November 11. It's Saint Martin's Day (sw. Marcina), who is the patron of the main street in Poznan. On that day there is a parade of St. Martin on a horse (someone is dressed for a medieval knight), street stalls are open and selling the most delicious croissants I have ever eaten - rogale marcinskie!!!! At 8 p.m. there's usually a firework show, a truly festive day in Poznan.