Today is the 625th anniversary of Saint Jadwiga of Poland and Władysław II Jagiełło wedding day, also the 516th of Alexander the Jagiellonian and princess Helena Iwanowna marriage. Sounds like a happy day for Polish monarchs.
I wonder how they used to party after the ceremony those days. Gossip says that people of that time were partying for several days constantly, with tables laden with food and various alcohols. I suppose they had stronger livers then.
Anyhow, if you want to serve yourself „some of a good old days” (at your own risk), nothing easier. Traditional Polish cuisine will be necessary. So go hunt, if not in the forest, to the shop. Another essential thing is alcohol (impossible to find in a wood). Drink it in glasses proudly decorated with Polish Eagle. Yet only music, guests and proper medicaments. Oh, and a bride and a groom. Have fun!
image: "Cracow Wedding" by Wojciech Kossak, National Museum in Warsaw.
Tomorrow is an International Cat Day in Italy and Poland – but, really, who cares. I find Polish literature much more interesting.
For example Czesław Miłosz ("The Captive Mind", "The Issa Valley", collection of essays "Legends of Modernity", "To Being Were I Am") was awarded by Nobel Prize in 1980. Don't know the cat that had gone that far. Another good thing is about Henryk Sienkiewicz's books. „Quo Vadis” would never, NEVER wake you up by it's estrus. Although it could not let you sleep because it is so readable.
So if you have a cat, take him on your knees and read! Meow.
image source: postmarkpress.com
How are you celebrating this year's carnival? Or you haven't started yet? Well, if you haven't, why not to party in Polish way? First and foremost, music.
Maybe songs sing by Bohdan Łazuka or Danuta Rinn, or a combination of Polish old hits? For the most beloved in folk culture, masovia or highlanders' music would be a good choice. Brave ones may even opt for karaoke.
The other important cause is – what to drink. In Poland, vodka is the most common choice. Mead is also strongly connected with Polish tradition. Proper glass would fit the context. OK, now you need only a good mood and some guests. Have fun!
When Bronisław Komorowski visited Krakow on January 17, he has awarded the creators of culture for their outstanding achievements.
Among them was a poet and Nobel Prize winner Wislawa Szymborska. During the celebrations on the Wawel Castle she recieved the highest honors - the Order of the White Eagle.
"We met an amazing thing, because all gathered here we do what we like to do, and for liking it we even get medals, " - said the poet after receiving the order.
