Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

In our school we learn about traditions of our region (Wielkopolska), the country and Europe. For the last 2 years pupils have worked on project: Wielkopolska - our small country. They visited museums, played street games and outdoor games. They studied history and learned about famous characters from Wielkopolska. Our school cooperates with High School od Tourism and Management in Poznań. Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

For twenty years our school has organised the local dialect competition. We call it „Pyra” (potato), because potatoes are basic food in our region. Children and teenagers from many schools take part in it. They dress up and say funny dialogues in this language. The most funny scene wins! Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

For three years our school has been one of the organisers of the Traditional Polish Folk Song competition "Kukułeczka" (cuckoo). Participants prepare two songs, one from Wielkopolska region, and the second from other regions of Poland. The jury assessed: the skills, preparation and artistic expression. Winners of the first places in each category receive the statue of the cuckoo, small gifts and a diploma. Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

Another Polish tradition celebrated in our school is the Christmas singing. Every year, on 24th December, children and young people dress up as different characters (such a goat or angel). They do this in order to begin the carol singing. They go from house to house, singing Christmas carols and they are given small gifts. It's a very old tradition that has survived until today. Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

Christmas is also the time of numerous stage performances. Every year our school organises Christmas play that shows events from the day when Jesus was born. The class that prepares the play learns Christmas carols, dresses as typical characters and then they perform in front of the whole school. The characters usually are: -Jesus and Mary -Joseph - The three kings - angels Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

The most famous Polish myth the one about 3 brothers: Lech, Czech and Rus. It tells us that Lech chose the Polish land as a good place for his people and created our first capital city Gniezno (only 50km away from our school). We learn more legends. For example the Wawel dragon and King Popiel legends. How do we work with Polish legends? we write essays read watch images watch movies Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

The youngest students also learn Polish legends, but the activities are different:  They listen to the stories read for them by teachers  They watch animated films  Then they colour pictures and talk about the events. As the children grow older, they learn reading skills on these legends. Sometimes profesional actors visited our school. They present shows about the legends. Children like them very much. Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

The legend of Two Goats Every day at noon tourists in Poznań can see two mechanical goats butting each other, the display is preceded by the striking of the clock and playing the traditional melody. The two goats’ fight have its origin in a legend: – Once a young cook was preparing a dinner for city authorities, – Unfortunately he burnt a roast deer, – He was terrified and ran to the nearby meadow and stole two goats, he intended to roast them for dinner – The two goats were clever, they escaped to the tower of the Town Hall and stated to fight – People who watched them, including the city authorities enjoyed the show, so the young cook and the goats were pardoned – Poznań decided to have two mechanical goats as their symbol Today it is one of the most famous tourist attractions. Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

Traditional Polish folk art In the pictures you can see – richly decorated folk’s dresses – the doll – jewellery contained corals and ambers, – the flowers bouquet made with blotting paper and wool, – paper cut-outs Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska

Thanks for your attention Traditions in Poland; ; Małgorzata Jędrzejewska