The tradition of forging nails on Good Friday is practiced in some parts of Poland. It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages when blacksmiths would create nails for the construction of churches and crosses. The act of forging nails on Good Friday is seen as a symbolic reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Three hand-forged nails in memory of the nails that nailed Christ to the cross
The tradition involves gathering together in a blacksmith’s shop on Good Friday, where the blacksmith heats up iron and hammers it into nails, with each blow of the hammer representing a blow to Christ’s body during his crucifixion. The nails are then distributed among the participants, who keep them as a symbol of faith and good luck.
While the tradition has deep religious roots, it has also become a way for communities to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The forging of nails on Good Friday has been recognized as a cultural heritage activity by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.