Every year on May 26, Poland celebrates one of its brightest and most tender holidays — Mother’s Day (Dzień Matki). It is a day to express respect, love, and gratitude to all mothers for their care, sleepless nights, and endless patience.
Why exactly May 26? Unlike in Ukraine, the USA, or many EU countries, where Mother’s Day is a movable holiday celebrated on the second Sunday of May, Poland has a fixed date. This holiday was celebrated for the first time on Polish soil in 1914 in Kraków, and since then, the tradition has remained unchanged.
Main Traditions of the Holiday:
- Heartwarming “Laurki”: In kindergartens and elementary schools, children handcraft beautiful greeting cards called “laurki” using paper, ribbons, and drawings. For every mother, this piece of art made by little hands is the most precious keepsake.
- The Scent of May Flowers: Lily of the valley (konwalie) and tulips have become true symbols of the Polish Mother’s Day. At the end of May, the streets of Polish cities are filled with these delicate and fragrant spring flowers.
- Family Time and Relaxation: Adult children make it a point to visit their family homes, bringing gifts and sweets. On this day, families try to completely free mothers from household chores by arranging a festive lunch at home or taking them out to a restaurant or café.
A mother is someone who understands you without words. No matter where you are, May 26 is the perfect occasion to say the Polish “Dziękuję, mamusiu!” or your native “Thank you, Mom!”.