Dożynki!

Dożynki is a traditional harvest festival here in Poland, and also in other Slavic countries. The word means literally “the last sheafs” and refers to the cereals and straw reaped in the fields at the end of harvesting season. Typically, a wreath is made out of them, paraded in a ceremonial procession and blessed in church. The tradition itself dates back to pagan times, but was adopted into a Christian ceremony centuries ago. It often coincides with the Assumption of Mary celebrations, but it is not a rule set in stone.

For the last couple of years I was documenting the tradition in my community.

Preparations for the event begin several days in advance. Usually, women from the country housewives' association prepare the wreath and decorate the cart or trailer in which it will be driven to the church. I find these preparations even more interesting than the actual event itself. A lot of people gather in the evening at one of the households to work on the wreath. Once it is done, someone else hosts the cart decorating party on another day. There is a lot of joking around and it is generally a great vibe.

On the day of the event, the participants don their traditional colourful costumes. The wreath is driven to church in the decorated cart. A procession of wreaths from neighbouring villages is formed and they all enter the church and lay the wreaths and loaves of bread at the altair. What usually follows is a mass and a blessing of the wreaths.

Once the church ceremony is over. The wreaths are taken in a procession to the place where the festival picnic is held. Nowadays, this is usually a sports pitch. Sometimes, a colourful convoy of all carts and trailers drives around the community, visiting all the villages. Live music is played in a joyful atmosphere.

At the picnic place, a lunch is served to all participants, and your typical picnic activities continue. There is usually a competition held for the most beautiful wreath and funniest folk song. Folk bands perform traditional music.

If you are in Poland in August, I heartily recommend going to a dożynki. Be on the lookout for the large hay figures that mark the event.

Till the next one!

Jakub