March 2024

Pulaski Day - Monday, March 4th, 2024

General Kazimierz (Casimir) Pulaski (b. Warsaw, Poland, March, 1745 - d. near Savannah, Georgia, October, 1779) is recognized as the "Father of the American Cavalry." He offered his services as an experienced military leader to the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. "I came to hazard all for the freedom of America," stated Pulaski in a letter to the Congress. Pulaski joined the Army as a volunteer. At Brandywine, in 1777, he greatly distinguished himself by leading a daring attack against the British, thereby saving the retreating American Army.

Tragically, Pulaski lost his life during the Siege of Savannah in 1779, where he was mortally wounded while leading a charge.

Join the Polish Museum of America on Monday, March, 4th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (CST) to celebrate Pulaski Day virtually by logging onto their website: www.PolishMuseumOfAmerica.org

Polish Easter Traditions

This year, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31st. This blessed holiday holds profound significance as a Christian religious festival, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. Easter is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, symbolizing hope, redemption, and the triumph of life over death. Beyond its religious importance, Easter has become a cultural and global observance, marked by many traditions.

Many Polish families around the world continue to observe certain traditions surrounding this blessed day, including:

• Swieconka (Easter Basket Blessing):
  On Holy Saturday, families bring a basket filled with various food items to church for a special blessing. The basket typically includes decorated eggs (pisanki), bread, salt, sausage, ham, and other traditional foods. The blessed food is then consumed with other delicacies on Easter Sunday.

• Easter Vigil:
  The Easter Vigil Mass is an important part of the Easter celebrations. It usually takes place on Holy Saturday night and includes the blessing of the Easter fire, the lighting of the Paschal candle, and the proclamation of the Easter Gospel.

• Easter Sunday Breakfast:
  The Easter Sunday breakfast is a festive and important meal for Polish families. It often includes the blessed food from the Easter basket, along with other traditional dishes, such as zurek (sour rye soup), white sausage and a variety of home made pastries.

• Easter Monday - Smigus-Dyngus:
  Easter Monday is known as Smigus-Dyngus or Wet Monday. On this day, it is a tradition for people to playfully splash water on each other. In the past, this was done to symbolize cleansing and purification, but nowadays it's often a lighthearted and fun activity.

Overall, Easter in Poland and within Polish families worldwide, is a time for religious observances, family gatherings, and festive meals. The customs and traditions may vary across regions, but the emphasis on faith and togetherness is a common denominator.

The PACCF Officers & Directors wish you and your families a Blessed & Happy Easter.

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