Polish Treasures: Fun Facts, Foods, and Tunes Kids Will Love
National Symbols of Poland
The official symbol of Poland is a white eagle wearing a crown, a representation that dates back centuries. The crowned eagle can be seen on flags, coins, and government buildings. Its presence has remained consistent, even through changes in government and invasions. Another fun fact: the symbol of Warsaw, Poland’s capital, is a mermaid!
In Krakow, a famous tradition honors a legendary trumpeter. Every hour, a trumpeter plays the same melody from the top of St. Mary’s Basilica—but he always stops suddenly in the middle of a note. This commemorates a legendary trumpeter who was shot with an arrow while warning the city of an attack long ago.
Famous Places to Visit
Poland is full of historic cities and natural beauty. Warsaw and Krakow are two of the most famous cities, each with beautiful castles and preserved Old Towns. The southern town of Zakopane, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, is a perfect spot to explore traditional Polish culture and nature. Nearby, visitors can tour the famous underground caverns of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
In the north, Poland borders the Baltic Sea. Coastal cities like Gdansk and Sopot attract summer beachgoers. The river city of Krakow also leads to other famous destinations through its waterways.
Polish Legends and Stories
One of Poland’s most famous legends is about the three brothers: Lech, Czech, and Rus. Each brother went in a different direction to find land. Lech followed a white eagle and founded Poland where he saw the eagle nest. He called his city Gniezno, from the Polish word “gniazdo” meaning “nest.” This is how the white eagle became the symbol of Poland.
Another beloved legend is about the Dragon of Krakow. When knights failed to defeat the dragon, a clever peasant tricked it with sheep stuffed with poison. The dragon drank so much water from the Vistula River that it exploded! The peasant married the princess and became a hero.
Polish Holidays and Festivals
Christmas and Easter are the most important holidays in Poland. Christmas Eve, called Wigilia, is celebrated with a large fish-based meal, traditional decorations, and the opening of presents after spotting the first star in the sky. December 25 and 26 are also holiday days with family meals.
Easter includes colorful egg painting (pisanki) and a traditional flat cake called mazurek. The day after Easter is śmigus-dyngus, a water fight day where children splash each other with water for fun.
All Saints’ Day (November 1) is a peaceful holiday when people light candles and place flowers on graves of loved ones. At night, cemeteries glow with candlelight, creating a touching and beautiful scene.
Traditional Polish Clothing
Colorful traditional clothing is worn during festivals and special celebrations. Girls wear flowered skirts, white blouses, red or black vests, bead necklaces, and flower crowns. Boys wear tight white pants, embroidered jackets, and red ties, often topped with a flat black-and-red hat. While these clothes are no longer worn every day, they remain an important symbol of heritage.
Everyday clothing in Poland is similar to styles in other European countries and the United States. In big cities like Warsaw, modern fashion is common.
Polish Food and Mealtimes
Polish food is warm, hearty, and delicious. Pierogi (dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or fruit), gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls), and beet soup (barszcz) are national favorites. Potatoes and dark bread are daily staples. A sour soup called żurek is also popular.
In Poland, the biggest meal of the day is eaten in the early afternoon. Dinner usually includes meat, soup, and sides. A lighter meal called “supper” is eaten in the evening and usually consists of sandwiches or salads.
Polish desserts are just as loved—jam-filled doughnuts called pączki, apple cake, eclairs, and other creamy treats are enjoyed with tea. Food plays a big part in family life and celebrations.
Polish language learning can also be deliciously fun and engaging for kids! With tools like Dinolingo, children can explore the Polish language through songs, games, and interactive activities. Whether you’re learning the Polish alphabet or listening to folk songs, it’s a great way to connect with this rich and beautiful culture.