11 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Poland

Poland, a land steeped in history and vibrant culture, is a captivating destination for travellers and history buffs alike. From the majestic mountains of the Tatra range to the charming cobblestone streets of Kraków, Poland offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

We Poles are incredibly proud of our rich heritage, our resilient spirit, and the unique beauty of our homeland. Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating country by exploring 11 fun facts about Poland that will surely pique your interest.

Also read: 8 Best Airbnbs in Gdansk, Poland to Book, Curated – 2024

Fun facts about Poland

1. We don’t use dryers

Yes, that’s true! After washing, we hang our clothes on a traditional dryer. Then we take them off the dryer and iron them. It’s very time-consuming and just stupid. We have no idea why we can’t buy an electronic dryer to make it faster. I guess it’s just one of those ingrained habits that are hard to break.

2. We don’t trust people if we don’t get drunk together

Ask any Pole if he has a friend with whom he didn’t get wasted. It’s just impossible! If you want to have a good friend, you need to party hard with him at least once. You will see what kind of person he really is and whether you can trust him.

That’s crazy but we talked with many Poles and all of them agree. Their best friends are people who saw them wasted.

3. We are Catholics but we don’t like church

It’s a bit of a cultural paradox, really. Many Poles identify as Catholic, and attending church on Sundays remains a significant social and cultural practice. However, a growing number of people don’t necessarily believe in all the doctrines or actively practice their faith.

While some may view this as hypocrisy, it’s important to remember that religious beliefs and practices are deeply personal and can vary greatly from individual to individual. For some, attending church may be a way to maintain family ties, uphold cultural traditions, or simply observe a long-standing tradition within their community.

4. Every spring, we kill dolls

It’s true! One of our most unique spring traditions involves creating a life-sized doll called Marzanna. This effigy, made of straw and often dressed in old clothes, symbolizes the end of winter. On the first day of spring, we traditionally take Marzanna to a nearby river or stream and ceremoniously drown her. This is how we say goodbye to the winter.

While the act of drowning a doll might seem a bit unusual to some, it’s a deeply ingrained tradition in Polish culture. It’s a time for communities to come together, celebrate the changing seasons, and engage in a bit of symbolic ritual.

5. Our donuts are round

We Poles have a very different idea of what a donut should be! For us, a true donut is not the flat, ring-shaped variety often seen in other parts of the world. Instead, we prefer our donuts to be round, like little balls with frostings on top. These donuts are typically filled with delicious fillings like marmalade, rose jam, or other sweet preserves.

One of the most beloved Polish traditions associated with donuts is Tłusty Czwartek, or Fat Thursday, which occurs on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. On this day you can eat as many donuts as you want. People ask each other how many donuts they ate. The more you eat, the better for you :).

6. We celebrate name day

When you turn 18 years old, you become an adult. Now you won’t just celebrate your birthday but your name day too.

In Poland, Name Days are a big deal. It’s a time for social gatherings, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with friends and family. While religious significance may vary, Name Days remain a vital part of Polish social life. Everybody knows that you need to call Maria on 2 Feb, Jolanta on 15 June, Wojciech on 23 April, Krzysztof on 25 July, Anna on 26 July, etc.

7. We know English but we are afraid to speak

We have no idea why it’s so common in Poland to hide English knowledge.

While many Poles have a good grasp of English, a common fear of making mistakes often prevents them from speaking it fluently. Despite learning English in school, conversational practice is limited, and the emphasis often lies on grammar and reading rather than actual speaking. This reluctance may also be influenced by cultural factors, with a focus on perfection sometimes hindering spontaneous communication.

However, this trend is gradually changing. Increased exposure to English through media, travel, and international exchange programs is fostering a more confident and communicative approach. As Poles embrace opportunities to practice their English, fluency levels are steadily improving.

 8. We are very superstitious

Superstitions are deeply ingrained in Polish culture. Many people believe in the number 13 being unlucky, the significance of a black cat crossing one’s path, and the arrival of a stork heralding a birth. While not everyone subscribes to these beliefs, they reflect a deep-rooted connection to tradition and a touch of magic in everyday life.

9. Watching ‘Home Alone’ is Christmas tradition

Haha, yes! The story of Kevin is well known to every Pole. Every year, families gather around the television to watch Home Alone in Christmas Day. We enjoy Kevin McCallister’s hilarious adventures as he defends his home from the bumbling burglars, the Wet Bandits.

Also read: When In Poland, Visit This Marvellous House That Stands On Its Roof

10. Our men still kiss our hands

We love this tradition! Polish man always kisses a woman’s hand when the occasion is solemn (e.g. first meeting, name day, etc).

In Polish culture, the act of a man kissing a woman’s hand is a gesture of respect, chivalry, and admiration. This tradition, while perhaps less common in everyday interactions today, remains a cherished custom, particularly in more formal or special occasions.

11. We have the world’s first upside-down house

Poland boasts the world’s first upside-down house! Located in Szymbark, this unique tourist attraction is a house built entirely upside down.

Imagine entering a house where the roof is on the ground, the floor is on the ceiling, and furniture is hanging precariously from the walls. The Upside Down House challenges our perception of gravity and provides a truly surreal and entertaining experience.

Visitors can explore every room of the house, including the kitchen, bedroom, and living room, all of which are upside down. It’s a popular destination for families and a fun place to take some quirky photos.

Also read: Best Family Friendly Airbnbs in Warsaw, Poland to Book in 2024

So there you go! Some fun facts about Poland that we bet had you laughing and saying “Really?!”. I hope this inspired you to visit Poland and see all these things for yourself too!

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Contributed by Karolina Patryk