The Three Kings Festival in Poland is an important and main favorite event for all Poles. The main heroes of the day are the Three Kings, who march through the city, accompanied by mummers. Not only actors participate in this event, but also the townspeople themselves, both adults and children dress up, an atmosphere of joy and harmony reigns everywhere. This day - January 6 - is filled not only with fun, but also with deep meaning and religious traditions. Every year, the Polish authorities try to give the townspeople a magnificent holiday and do everything possible to ensure that people join the biblical customs.
History of the holiday
The Feast of the Three Kings (Święto Trzech Króli) is the oldest Christian holiday of the Catholic Church, which is no less important than Easter and Christmas. In church tradition, this day is called the feast of the Epiphany.
Its story originates from the Gospel of Matthew, which describes the event when the 3 wise men followed the Star of Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus and bring their gifts to the nursery of the newborn Savior.
It still remains a mystery whether these people were kings, magi or sages from the East, only approximate names of them have survived to this day: - Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.
In Polish culture, they are known as the Three Kings and from the 12th century they began to be considered representatives of Europe, Asia and Africa. The Magi presented three symbolic gifts as a sign of their respect and patronage to the future Jewish king:
- Kaspar presented incense, which is a symbol of deity, dignity and priesthood.
- Melchior presented Jesus with gold, which symbolizes royal power and dignity.
- Balthazar presented the Savior with myrrh, which became a symbol of Christ's sacrifice in atonement for the sins of mankind. She also confirmed the prophecy and foretold the death of Jesus.
Procession of the Three Kings
The Feast of the Three Kings in Poland is considered the largest social and cultural event, which carries not only fun, but also a symbolic Christian message. But it was not always so.
For the first time, the festive procession of the Three Kings through the streets of Poland took place in 2008, and in 2021, for the first time in 50 years, January 6 was declared a day off.
Since then, all large stores in Poland have been closed on this day, and in general, very little works, except for small private shops and gas stations. This was done so that every Pole could take part in the holiday, visit the church and join the ancient traditions.
Every year the state organizes a large-scale, colorful celebration in all major cities.
According to some reports, traditions are observed in 308 Polish cities, and the event is reaching an international level.
On this day, festive processions are held through the streets of cities with many actors dressed in colorful historical costumes, led by the Three Kings.
As a rule, a parade with biblical characters moves towards an installation with the main character - Jesus, and here you can see a reproduced scene of events described in the Bible.
In addition, the city hosts many events and exhibitions, and locals and tourists in themed costumes and fake crowns walk around the city.
I would like to note that in 2021 in Warsaw, the carnival began traditionally at noon on the Castle Square. A column of participants in bright costumes of biblical characters, angels, demons and, of course, the Three Kings marched through the streets.
Immortal Traditions
In Poland, many traditions have survived to this day. Poles carefully prepare for the holiday, visit churches where water, chalk, gold and incense are blessed, and then they keep it as a home ward against illness and misfortune. In the evening, children in costumes and the Star of Bethlehem go to their homes and sing carols, for which the hospitable hosts treat them to bagels specially baked for this event - generics (pol. Szczodrki).
Housewives observing traditions bake a cake in which they hide an almond nut: whoever gets it will gain good luck for a whole year and receive the title of almond king.
On this day, on the doors of houses, they write in chalk the abbreviation K + M + B or C + M + B, which means Christus Mansionem Benedicat - translated from Latin as “Christ blesses this house”.
How to become part of a tradition
It should be noted that the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated in many European Catholic countries, for example, in Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany. Each state observes its own traditions and customs, but everyone is united by one good goal - to preserve the memory of biblical events and strengthen the faith of the people.
Poles are very responsible for this event and follow many interesting and fun traditions. A festive procession, colorful costumes, singing, carols and traditional pastries make this day truly solemn.
That is why, in order to feel the real local flavor and join the centuries-old traditions, you must visit Poland on January 6, the day of the Epiphany. It is believed that this particular day is the end of the cycle of all winter holidays in Poland.
