Valentine's Day

Many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th . This modern-day holiday is a celebration of love which gets its name from a Roman priest, Valentine, who secretly performed wedding ceremonies for Christian couples in the 3rd century. Weeks before the fourteenth of February shop windows are decorated with red paper hearts, red streamers and boxes of chocolates. Heart-shaped cakes and sweets are baked and gifts such as perfume and jewellery are promoted by department stores. Red roses are ordered from florists, dinner reservations are made and presents are bought in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Even cards and small gifts are made by young children at school. On Valentine’s Day many people wear something red since it is considered to be the colour of love. Gifts, wrapped in shiny paper and red ribbons are exchanged women receive bouquets of flowers and people express their feelings to their loved ones. In the evening many couples choose to dine at romantic restaurants while others enjoy spending time together at home.

Why are horseshoes believed to be lucky?

In 1700 Henri Misson a Frenchman visiting Britain asked villagers why they had horseshoes nailed above their doors. They said that it was to keep witches away. Horseshoes are made of iron and the strength of the iron was thought to protect from evil. Still today they are thought to bring good luck and many bridges carry silver ones at their wedding. The position of the horseshoes is very important. It must point upwards like a cup so that the luck cannot fall out.

Smigus dyngus

Easter Monday is called also cast Monday or water pouring and it is the second day of Easter. This is Jewish holiday descended from king Saladyn. In Polish tradition this day people pour each other for fun. Poured are even unknown people. This activity relates to pagan practicians joining with symbolic nature's waking up to life and yearly renewable ability earth to delivering. To today exist habit of sprinkling holy water in the morning by goodmans in villages on south of Poland. The tradition of Easter Monday in villages was also making jokes to neighbours. Gates were switched, on roof put agricultural tools, hide bucket for water. Formerly popular was habit of walking with a tap after water pouring, on a trolley people carried a cock (a bird) which was a symbol of an abundance.