2. Polish traditions through the year include holidays, customs, superstitions, rituals, and celebrations. Some are firmly rooted in the the national religion, Catholicism; others stem from pagan rites of seasons. In many cases, visitors to Poland can participate or learn more about these traditions. New Year's Day Traditions Christmas Wianki Juwenalia

3. Though many Poles use January first to quietly usher in the New Year after December 31st revelries have dwindled and guests have gone home, January 1st is often a day for concerts. New Year's Eve in Poland is like New Year's Eve in other parts of Europe. Individuals host parties, attend private events, or head to city squares for fireworks extravaganzas and concerts.

4. Christmas is a magical time in Poland during which animals are said to speak and forgiveness offered to those who have offended. The Christmas Eve feast, known as Wigilia, is shared by family members. The day after Christmas, Poles observe St. Stephan's Day, which extends the Christmas celebrations.

5. Wianki is a pagan festival honoring the midsummer solstice. Krakow's Wianki celebrations are second to none, and they include concerts by big-name performers, fireworks displays, and an annual market.

6. Juwenalia is a student festival that occurs in May or early June. This event is marked by colorful parades, contests, games, and parties. Juwenalia is an annually anticipated event and has its roots in medieval times.

7. Poland, a country the size of New Mexico, is in north-central Europe. Most of the country is a plain with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the south and the Oder and Neisse rivers in the west. Other major rivers, which are important to commerce, are the Vistula, Warta, and Bug. Great (north) Poland was founded in 966 by Mieszko I, who belonged to the Piast dynasty. The tribes of southern Poland then formed Little Poland. In 1047, both Great Poland and Little Poland united under the rule of Casimir I the Restorer. Poland merged with Lithuania by royal marriage in 1386. The Polish-Lithuanian state reached the peak of its power between the 14th and 16th centuries, scoring military successes against the (Germanic) Knights of the Teutonic Order, the Russians, and the Ottoman Turks.

8. The culture of Poland is closely connected with its intricate thousand-year history Its unique character developed as a result of its geography at the confluence of various European regions. With origins in the culture of the Early Slavs, over time Polish culture has been profoundly influenced by its interweaving ties with the Germanic, Latinate and Byzantine worlds as well as in continual dialog with the many other ethnic groups and minorities living in Poland.