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KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Poland

Gdansk City

Welcome to Poland Poland is a country in central Europe with coastline on the Baltic Sea and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast region along its northern border. Let’s learn about Poland from kids like you. Roza lives in Szczecin, on the Oder River in the northwest part of the country. She is 7 years old.

Roza is learning to play piano. She is inspired by Polish classical pianist Joanna Domanska.

Roza is a nickname. It is short for Rozalia, which means “rose blossom” or “pretty rose.” Roza wears a dress when she performs recitals. She loves the white piano her parents got her for her birthday.

Alfred is Roza’s brother. His name means “wise counselor.” Alfred is in primary school. He is a good student. Alfred enjoys playing tennis with his family. He plans to join his school’s team.

Tennis is a popular sport in Alfred’s country. Poland has many talented professional tennis players. Roza and Alfred love their country and hope you will, too. Let’s learn some more about Poland.

Where in the World? Most of Poland lies within the Northern European Plain, a lowlying area of fertile farmland. The landscape is marked by bogs, heathland, and numerous lakes. Shaped by low glacial moraines, it has rich soil which is great for farming. Almost a third of Poland’s total land area is forest. Many mountain ranges rise from uplands along the country’s southern edge including the Tatras, Stołowe Mountains, and Bieszczady range.

Kaska lives in Wrocław, located in southwestern Poland along the banks of the River Oder.

POLAND

Filip lives in Białystok. It is located in northeastern Poland on the banks of the Biała River, a tributary of the Vistula.

Can You Find It? Warsaw

Wrocław

Kraków

Opole

Szczecin

Gdansk

Łódz

Poznan 5

Typical of central Europe, Poland has a mostly temperate climate. Temperatures are cooler near the Baltic coast and warmer in the continental climate of the interior. Summers are warm and winters are cold. Rain falls throughout the year, along with snow and ice in the winter. Nadia lives in Szczyrk in the Silesian Beskid mountains of southern Poland. Her home has an oceanic climate with lots of rain.

The temperate broadleaf and mixed forests of the interior as well as conifer forests of the northern Baltic tier support a diverse range of wildlife. The region is a breeding ground for migratory birds. Many natural areas are protected. Ancient woodlands, such as Poland’s Białowieza Forest, provide a home to many species that are endangered in other parts of Europe such as the European bison, brown bear, gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, and species of moose and beaver. There also are game animals such as red deer, roe deer, and wild boar. 6

Lake Sniardwy Poland’s largest lake encompasses 11,000 hectares (27,182 acres) in the country’s northeast. Along with exploring its eight islands, other popular activities include boating, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching.

Rysy Located in Tatra National Park, Rysy is Poland’s highest mountain, Rysy standing on its southern border with Slovakia. Its three summits rise to 2,501 meters (8,205 ft), 2,500 m (8,202 ft), and 2,473 meters (8,113.5 ft). It is in the crest of the High Tatras, the eastern part of the Tatra Mountains.

Lake Sniardwy

Białowieza Forest

Białowieza Forest It is home to hundreds of European bison, Poland’s national animal and Europe’s heaviest land animal. The village of Białowieza is one of the area’s first human settlements. 7

History 966 CE Ruler of the Polans, Duke Mieszko I of the Piast dynasty, adopts Roman Catholicism.

1024 Duke Bolesław I Chrobry crowns himself the first King of Poland.

1569 The Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania form the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a dualistic state ruled by a monarch who is king of Poland and grand duke of Lithuania.

1791 On May 3, the Sejm ratifies Poland’s first constitution, which establishes a more democratic constitutional democracy and guarantees civil rights to citizens. 8

1924 Poland participates in its first Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Both events took place in France.

1989 The People’s Republic of Poland becomes the independent Republic of Poland, restoring democracy in the country.

1997 Poland adopts a new constitution that replaces the previous 1952 Sovietera constitution.

2004 Poland officially joins the European Union along with Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia. 9

People Ethnic Poles make up most of the population. The roots of Polish culture are traced to the Slavic people who first settled the country.

Konrad has German ancestry. His lessons at school are taught in Polish, but he speaks German with his family at home.

German, Belarusian, and Ukrainian people are the largest ethnic minorities in Poland.

Polish is the official language and spoken almost universally. However, much of the elderly population understands Russian, and younger generations learn English and German at school. 10

The traditions and rituals of Roman Catholicism have a deep foothold in Polish culture. More than half of the population is considered observant.

A smaller fraction of Poles belong to Protestant or Eastern Orthodox denominations. The people of Poland celebrate many Christian liturgical holidays, as well as nature-related festivals.

Dosia’s family practices Catholicism. Her name is short for Teodozja, which means “giving to God” or “gift of God.”

Names Robert Robert is a German name that means “bright fame.”

Paulina

Paulina is a Latin name meaning “small, humble.”

Agnieszka Jacek

Jacek is a Polish name that means “hyacinth flower.”

Agnieszka is a Greek name that means “pure, holy.”

e (Male) Nam

Adrian

Origin

M e aning

Latin

from Adria (the Adriatic)

Aleksander

Greek

defender of man

Dariusz

Persian

holder of wealth

Dominik

Latin

of the Lord

Jarek

Hebrew

supplanter

Slavic

spring

Mateusz

Hebrew

gift of God

Pawel

Latin

humble, small

Piotr

Greek

rock

Hebrew

twin

Jakub

Tomasz

e (Female) Nam

Barbara

Origin

M e aning

Dominika

Latin

strange, foreign

Latin

of the Lord

Latin

rival

Kasia

Greek

pure

Krystyna

Latin

follower of Christ

Marta

Aramaic

lady of the house

Natalia

Latin

birthday of the Lord

Latin

noble

Latin

born again

Latin

woods, forest

Emilia

Patrycja

Renata Sylwia

Learn Polish Polish is spoken by 98 percent of the population, giving the country a high degree of linguistic homogeneity. Several regional languages coexist with Polish, including Kashubian, German, Belarusian, Ukrainian, Rusyn, Lithuanian, Romani, Tatar, Slovak, and Czech. witam

wee tom (Hello)

dzień dobry

jen doh-bray (Good morning)

Nazywam sie˛ ____

nah zee-wam shay ___ (My name is ___)

jak sie˛ masz?

yahk shay mahs (How are you?)

jestem głodny

yes-tem glawd-knee (I’m hungry) Jestem spragniony

yes-tem sprag-no-knee (I’m thirsty) Dzie˛kuje˛ Ci

Jeh koo-weh chee (Thank you)

Prosze˛

praw-say (Please)

tak

tahk (Yes)

nie

nee (No)

do widzenia

dough weed-zenia (Goodbye) 15

Holidays and Festivals Poland has a rich and dynamic culture. Poles celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. Here are a few:

Independence Day November 11 marks the day Poland became independent from Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Germany in 1918. Medals are awarded to soldiers in active duty, and those who have died are honored with a minute of silence. The changing of the guard takes place at Warsaw’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

International Street Art Festival Taking place for two weekends in June and/or July, this festival features a wide range of street performers such as circus acts, dancers, and theater groups at public spaces throughout Warsaw. It got started in 1993 as a way to support cultural exchange among European countries. 16

Constitution Day May 3 marks the anniversary of the day the Polish Constitution was signed in 1791. It is observed with parades, speeches, and exhibits.

All Souls’ Day Jazz Festival Poland’s oldest jazz festival takes place in Kraków in early November. It started on All Souls’ Day in 1954 when a group of jazz musicians gathered to play in the town’s school gymnasium. Now, shows take place at various venues.

State Holiday Formerly a socialist holiday called Labor Day, May 1 was changed to Świȩto Państwowe (State Holiday) after the restoration of democracy in 1989. Together with Constitution Day on May 3, the State Holiday gives Poles two public holidays in a week. 17

Food Polish cuisine is mainly Eastern European in style with dishes that are heavy and filling. Pork is widely consumed, especially Poland’s traditional sausages of which kielbasa is perhaps the most well-known. Cabbage also is popular, whether appearing raw in salads, as an ingredient in soups and stews, cooked as a side dish, or pickled. Potatoes, noodles, and dumplings are everyday foods. Cucumbers and beets are commonly used vegetables.

Pickled Herring Fillets of salted herring marinated in vinegar, onion, and perhaps a few spices are a common Polish appetizer, usually eaten with bread.

Chlodnik Similar to Russian borscht, this chilled soup consists mainly of cooked beets in sour milk or yogurt, with other vegetables such as cucumbers.

Mizeria Sliced cucumbers dressed with sour cream, dill, and a little vinegar make a common Polish salad, often served as a side dish with meat.

Bigos Commonly referred to as hunter’s stew, bigos typically includes cabbage, sauerkraut, and pork. Various other meats, vegetables, and seasonings can be added.

Pierogi Filled dumplings called pierogi are extremely popular in Poland, and can be considered the national dish. The most common fillings for main-course pierogi are meat, potatoes, cheese, mushrooms, and sauerkraut. 19

Kapusta Dressed sauerkraut is a common accompaniment to Polish meat dishes. Herbs, fresh cabbage, and other vegetables are baked with the sauerkraut.

Kaszanka The Polish version of blood pudding, kaszanka is made from pork shoulder, pork liver, pork blood, and buckwheat. These sausages are normally sautéed or grilled and served with potatoes and sauerkraut.

Kabanosy Kabanosy or kabanos are long, thin, airdried sausages, mildly seasoned. Horse, beef, and lamb are all traditional ingredients, but modern kabanosy are generally made of pork. 20

Kutia Kutia, a sweet grain pudding, is a Polish dessert traditionally served on Christmas Eve. It is made with wheat, poppy seeds, and honey. Total Time

6 hours and 20 min

Ingredients 1 cup (128 g) cracked wheat Water, as needed ½ cup (64 g) poppy seeds 1 cup (240 ml) honey Raisins, currants, and/or walnuts, as needed for optional topping

Directions In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar. Mix well. Add semolina and all-purpose flours. Work into a soft dough. Flour a work surface. Roll the dough into a 1-inch (2.5-cm) thick log. Slice the log into 8 pieces. With floured hands, pat each piece into a patty. Heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the patties in hot oil until golden brown on each side, about 8 minutes total. 6 Serve with honey, jam, or sour cream.

National Symbols National Bird White-Tailed Eagle (common name) Haliaeetus albicilla (scientific name)

National Day Independence Day November 11

National Flower Red Poppy (common name) Papaver rhoeas (scientific name)

National Animal European Bison (common name) Bison bonasus (scientific name) 22

National Flag First used – August 1, 1919 Nickname – “Bialo-Czerwona” (Red-White)

National Currency Poland’s official currency is the złoty and grosz. 1 złoty = 100 grosz

National Anthem “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” (“Dąbrowski’s Mazurka”) Lyrics by: Józef Wybicki

Polish Lyrics

English Translation

Marsz, marsz, Dabrowski,

March! March, Dabrowski!

Z ziemi wloskiej do Polski,

March from Italy to Poland!

Za twoim przewodem

Under your command

Zlaczym sie z narodem.

We shall reach our land.

Things to See and Do Kampinos National Park Located amid the rivers Vistula and Bzura on Warsaw’s northwestern outskirts, this is one of Poland’s largest national parks. Popular with hikers, it contains forests, dunes, marshlands, streams, and a variety of wildlife.

Warsaw Zoo Warsaw Zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals representing around 500 species. Attractions include an insectarium, aquarium, herpetarium, bird house, Australian enclosure, elephant house, jaguar enclosure, and pool for seals.

Palace of Culture and Science Soaring 231 meters (758 feet) high, this Soviet-era monument has 3,000-plus rooms and was once the Communist Party headquarters. The 30th floor features a viewing platform. 24

Saxon Garden Warsaw’s first public park encompasses 15 hectares (37 acres) in the city’s downtown. Designed with a typical baroque style, this Versailles-inspired garden features sculptures, fountains, a marble sundial, Victorian palm house, and summer theater.

Kraków’s Historic Centre Poland’s capital until the early 17th century, this merchants’ city features Europe’s largest market square, Jagellonian University, churches, remains of ancient fortifications, royal palaces, castles, graves, and houses.

Multimedia Fountain Park Just a short walk north of Warsaw’s Old Town, this park along the Vistula River is a sight to behold after dark, when 367 water jets, thousands of colored lights, lasers, and music combine to put on a show to remember. 25

Wieliczka Salt Mine Operating since the Middle Ages, this salt mine has nine underground levels. It includes a subterranean lake, museum, tunnels and chambers, chapels, statues sculpted by miners, chandeliers, and a sanatorium.

Grand Theatre and Polish National Opera Opened in 1833, this is the world’s largest opera, ballet, and theater institution.

Warsaw Uprising Museum This museum tells the story of the fight for Poland’s independence.

Wroclaw Zoo and Africarium Focused on the planet with an emphasis on sustainability and coexistence, this futuristic museum is a sight to behold. Along with interactive exhibits, it has a shop and café. 26

Location Guid e Kampinos National Park Warsaw Zoo Palace of Culture and Science Saxon Garden Kraków’s Historic Centre Multimedia Fountain Park Wieliczka Salt Mine Grand Theatre and Polish National Opera Warsaw Uprising Museum Wrocław Zoo and Africarium 27

Fun Facts First Woman Marie Curie, the first woman to earn a Nobel Prize, was born in Poland in 1867 as Maria Skłodowska. In fact, she won two Nobel Prizes for her work with radioactivity, one in 1903 for physics and another in 1911 for chemistry.

Thank You Poland Inventions created by Polish inventors include walkie talkies, kerosene lamps, and bulletproof vests.

Big Old Forest Poland’s Bialowieza Forest is the largest and oldest forest in Europe, known as a primeval forest.

In Orbit Polish mathematician and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was the first to propose that planets revolved around the sun and not the other way around.

Famous Pole Born in Poland in 1810, pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin is still widely regarded for his classical compositions.

KIDS’ GUIDE TO

Poland Poznan

Krakow

Warsaw

Wroclaw

Ogrodzieniec