TV Republika, a prominent Polish television network, has recently inked a collaboration deal with Associated Press (AP), one of the most influential news agencies globally.
According to the press department of Telewizja Republika, under this agreement, the network will have access to AP’s resources while also providing the agency with materials produced by the station.
Associated Press stands as a leading press agency worldwide, supplying approximately 6,000 radio and television stations, 1,700 newspapers within the United States, and over 8,500 media entities across other nations.
Telewizja Republika has been experiencing a steady surge in viewership since mid-December. Presently, among the news stations in Poland, it holds the second position in terms of popularity, with its individual programs garnering more viewership than the recent hegemon, TVN24.
Experience the ancient tradition of forging nails on Good Friday in Poland, a symbolic act of faith and cultural heritage.
Rediscovering an Ancient Ritual
In the heart of Poland, amidst the solemnity of Good Friday, echoes of an ancient tradition resound. Forging nails on this holy day is more than a mere craft; it’s a profound act of homage, rooted in centuries-old beliefs.
Crafting Memories in Iron
Gathered within the sanctum of a blacksmith’s workshop, the faithful congregate to partake in a ritual steeped in symbolism. As iron is heated and hammered into nails, each stroke evokes the agony of Christ’s crucifixion.
A Tapestry of Faith and Community
Beyond its religious significance, this tradition weaves a tapestry of cultural heritage, fostering unity among communities. Recognized by the Polish Ministry of Culture, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and camaraderie.
In an ever-changing world, the tradition of forging nails on Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of our shared heritage. As each nail is cherished, so too are the timeless values it represents.
Good Friday holds profound significance for Christians around the globe, marking the solemn remembrance of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. For evangelical Christians, it stands as the paramount observance within the church calendar, underscoring a day of deep spiritual reflection and reverence. Central to this observance is the adherence to a strict fast.
Sacred Purification: The Diverse Traditions of Good Friday Rituals
Steeped in tradition, Good Friday rituals vary across different Christian communities. As dawn breaks or on the preceding evening of Maundy Thursday, adherents partake in a symbolic act of purification by immersing themselves in natural bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, or eastward-flowing rivers. This ritualistic cleansing, wherein some choose to wash only their legs while others include hands and faces, is performed without wiping, allowing water droplets to naturally evaporate, preserving its perceived beneficial properties. Believers attribute this act to spring cleansing, physical rejuvenation, and the affirmation of life’s vitality, particularly pertinent during this time of year.
Culinary Traditions of Good Friday: Crafting Symbolic Dishes with Spiritual Significance
In preparation for Easter Sunday, households engage in culinary traditions, crafting symbolic dishes imbued with spiritual significance. Among these preparations are the baking of traditional bread, the crafting of yeast babki shaped as lambs or hares, and the cooking of meat dishes. Notably, in certain regions like Silesia, the time-honoured tradition of baking the świyncelnik, an Easter cake, endures. This cake is meticulously crafted on Good Friday evening, ensuring its readiness for the following morning’s ritual of dish consecration in church.
Good Friday stands as more than a mere remembrance; it embodies a collective reaffirmation of faith, cultural heritage, and the enduring resonance of Christ’s sacrifice within Christian communities worldwide.
Easter eggs were made in Holy Week – the first were given to the closest, i.e., most often to godchildren already on Holy Thursday, eggs painted on Good Friday and Saturday were given to loved ones and friends. Their colour is significant: red – for love, green – for hope, yellow – for jealousy, and black – for important people.
Easter in Poland is all about the observation of Catholic rituals related to the resurrection of Christ, homemade decorations and food, and spending time at the table with family and loved ones.
Easter egg: The symbol of rebirth
The habit of staining and decorating eggs was probably born around 3,000 BC in Assyria and, according to some sources in Persia. This Christian ritual of using the egg for celebration at Easter dates back hundreds of years, while the egg itself has been a symbol of fertility and revival for thousands of years. Archaeological materials indicate that the egg was revered for its magical, life-bestowing qualities by the Slavs long before the advent of Christianity.
Originally, eggs were most often dyed red (blood – the essence of life) and sacrificed to deities. Faith in the importance of the egg as a symbol of reborn life and victory over death has survived to this day, and the custom of decorating eggs has become associated with the traditions of Easter. In the past, only women and girls were involved in decorating, and the painting of eggs was surrounded by mystery.
Poles’ traditional way to dye Easter eggs
One of the most popular elements of the Polish Easter festivities involves painting and decorating eggs, called pisanki.
Natural dyes that were once used to dye Easter eggs:
yellow – from a decoction of alder and birch leaves, chamomile flowers or young pear bark and the apple tree,
red – linden bark, elderberry and berries,
burgundy – of red beetroot,
shades from orange, through red to dark brown – from boiled onion shells,
black – from oak bark, alder or ripe elderberry fruit,
green – from shoots of young rye, grass or herbs,
purple – from the petals of a mallow’s flowers or dried violet petals.
The eggs can be decorated in many creative ways. They are placed into a basket and, together with other traditional foods, carried to the Church to be blessed. Afterwards, the family shares them at the table.
Decorating techniques
There are several basic egg decorating techniques. The oldest of them – the batik technique is the most common and occurs in many regions, e.g., in Silesia. It consists of ‘writing’ the pattern with hot wax with a special funnel or a pinhead and then putting the finished egg in a colouring solution.
This action can be repeated, immersing the egg in an increasingly dark dye and obtaining a multicoloured decoration. The egg decorated with this method is called pisanka (Easter egg).
The most popular in the Silesia region, however, is a kraszanka (kroszonka) also called a drawing or scratcher.
The Silesian kroszonka is an egg decorated by engraving. After colouring the egg to a uniform colour (often in onion shells), scrape the pattern with a sharp tool, e.g., a knife, scalpel or razor blade (formerly people used to use a sewing knife, called gnyp). The most common motive of Silesian kroszonki is plant ornaments: palm trees, flowers, and leaves.
In 2023, members of the EU exported a staggering 867 thousand tons of chocolate and chocolate bars to countries outside the EU, marking a 2% increase compared to 2022 (852 thousand tons) and an impressive 35% surge compared to 2013 (643 thousand tons), according to Eurostat. Poland, emerging as a prominent player, secured the third position among EU exporters.
Leading the pack in chocolate and chocolate bar exports to non-EU countries in 2023 were Germany, with 221 thousand tons, constituting 26% of the total volume. Following closely, the Netherlands stood at second place with 123 thousand tons (14%). Poland proudly clinched the third spot, exporting 115 thousand tons (13%). Meanwhile, Belgium, renowned for its confectioneries, exported 96 thousand tons (11%).
Among the top five export destinations outside the EU, the United Kingdom received the lion’s share, with 315 thousand tons of chocolate delivered from the Union (36%). The United States followed with 72 thousand tons (8%), trailed by Russia with 65 thousand tons (7%), Canada with 31 thousand tons (4%), and Australia with 27 thousand tons (3%).
🍫 In 2023, 867 000 tonnes of chocolate and chocolate bars were exported by EU members to countries outside the EU.
Top exporters: 🇩🇪Germany (221 000 tonnes, 26% of total EU exports) 🇳🇱The Netherlands (123 000, 14%) 🇵🇱Poland (115 000, 13%)
In terms of imports into the EU, Switzerland emerged as the primary source, supplying 62 thousand tons (36%), closely trailed by the United Kingdom with 61 thousand tons (36%), and Ukraine with 22 thousand tons (13%).
This data underscores Poland’s ascension as a chocolate powerhouse within the EU, solidifying its position among the top exporters globally. With its delectable offerings, Poland is not only satisfying the sweet cravings of its citizens but also tantalizing taste buds across borders, cementing its status in the international confectionery market.