Easter Monday, which falls after Easter Day (Wielkanoc), is a national holiday in Poland. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday?
Easter Monday is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
What Do People Do?
SmigusDyngus is a tradition in which people use bucket pails or water guns to soak each other with water. Another event is the Emaus fair in Krakow, where people set up stalls of candy, toys and trinkets.
Easter Monday is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.
Background
Easter Monday follows from Easter Sunday which commemorates when Jesus Christ was resurrected 2 days after his death. Many Easter activities can be traced back to Pagan traditions and celebrations. For example, the name Easter is believed to come from Eostara, the goddess of rebirth. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. In 325 CE the Council of Nicaea decided that the Easter date would be the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the March equinox. Easter Monday is observed in other places in the world.
Symbols
Easter eggs symbolize rebirth and life’s victory over death, while bread symbolizes Jesus Christ’s body. Smoked meat is believed to give good health, wealth, and fertility, while salt wards off evil. Cheese represents friendship, and horseradish symbolizes strength and fitness.
While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.