Duality in Politics: Trzaskowski’s Secularism vs. Christmas Wishes

By

-

25/12/2024

Zrzut ekranu 2024-12-25 140234 — niezalezna.pl

Rafał Trzaskowski’s Christmas wishes clash with his secular stance, sparking debates about sincerity and electoral motives in Polish politics.

Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia. Dla wszystkich. pic.twitter.com/QwV7Jcrj2J
— Rafał Trzaskowski (@trzaskowski_) December 24, 2024

Rafał Trzaskowski, a prominent Polish politician, has long portrayed Poland as a secular state. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for removing crosses from Warsaw’s public offices, emphasizing a clear separation between religion and governance. His stance sparked debates, especially among conservative and religious groups.

Christmas Wishes Raise Eyebrows

Surprisingly, Trzaskowski’s recent Christmas greetings—shared alongside his wife—have garnered attention. The gesture, coming amid Poland’s festive season, stands in stark contrast to his previous secular rhetoric. Critics argue this sudden shift aligns with electoral motives, as the presidential campaign looms.

Public Reactions Intensify

Social media has been abuzz with skepticism. Many users recall Trzaskowski’s earlier assertions about Poland’s secular identity. Some view his Christmas message as an attempt to appeal to a broader voter base, questioning the sincerity of his newfound holiday spirit.

As the election approaches, this juxtaposition underscores the intricate balancing act in modern political campaigns, where public perception is as critical as policy consistency.

The Magic of Polish Christmas Eve: A Celebration of Vegetables

By

sm

-

25/12/2024

DOC.20241223.50443743.1 — traditional Polish Christmas Eve borscht with dumplings

Discover the magic of Polish Christmas Eve dishes featuring locally sourced vegetables, tradition, and seasonal flavors that define the holiday.

Christmas Eve in Poland is a time of family gatherings and delicious traditional dishes. Despite winter’s limited fresh produce, Polish cuisine thrives on preserved vegetables, such as fermented, dried, or stored roots. These ingredients create the magical flavors of the holiday season.

Iconic Dishes with Local Flavors
Beetroot-based red borscht with dumplings or hearty mushroom soup are staples on Polish Christmas Eve tables. Similarly, cabbage with mushrooms, whether in its classic form or paired with groats, highlights regional variety and nutritional richness.

Seasonal Vegetable Delights
“Greek-style fish,” a uniquely Polish creation, features carrots, celery, and parsley, showcasing adaptability to seasonal produce. Classic vegetable salads, pierogi, and croquettes are other festive favorites that blend simplicity with celebration.

A Tribute to Local Agriculture
These beloved dishes not only uphold culinary traditions but also emphasize the importance of locally sourced produce. They celebrate health, taste, and the wealth of Poland’s agricultural heritage.

Polish Skepticism Towards Ukrainian Promises on Volhynia Massacre Memorials

By

mp

-

25/12/2024

rzez wolynska pomnik — Wikimedia Commons

Survey finds most Poles doubt Ukraine’s sincerity on Volhynia Massacre memorials; historical tensions delay reconciliation efforts.

A recent survey by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska shows that 67.4% of Poles doubt the sincerity of Ukrainian promises regarding the exhumation and commemoration of Volhynia Massacre victims. While 27% expressed some trust, only 3.1% believed strongly in Ukrainian assurances. Even among government coalition voters, distrust prevails, with skepticism rising to 83% among opposition supporters.

Historical Dispute Between Poland and Ukraine

The Volhynia Massacre (1943–1945), involving the killing of around 100,000 Poles by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, remains a contentious issue. Poland views it as genocide, while Ukraine frames it as a reciprocal conflict. Efforts to conduct exhumations in Ukraine have faced resistance, often linked to broader political tensions, such as the 2017 ban by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance.

Future Prospects

Although some progress has been made, delays persist. Ukrainian officials, including IPNU head Anton Drobowycz, suggest exhumations may begin by 2025-2026, leaving Polish families waiting for closure.

Traditional Flavors of Lublin: Gołąbki in Mushroom Sauce

By

mp

-

25/12/2024

Traditional gołąbki in mushroom sauce highlight Lublin’s rich culinary heritage, preserved by the Friends of the Olechów Land Association.

In the heart of southeastern Lublin, the Friends of the Olechów Land Association preserves regional culinary traditions. Established on April 27, 2011, in the Żółkiewka municipality, this association unites 43 members dedicated to cultural heritage. Their activities include crafting handmade items, conducting workshops for all ages, and hosting community integration events.

Gołąbki: A Taste of Tradition

A highlight of their culinary repertoire is the preparation of traditional gołąbki in mushroom sauce. Gołąbki, or cabbage rolls, are a staple in Polish cuisine, embodying the rich flavors and history of the Lublin region. The association’s members meticulously prepare this dish, showcasing their commitment to preserving authentic tastes.

Through such initiatives, the Friends of the Olechów Land Association fosters a deep appreciation for local traditions, ensuring that the cultural and culinary heritage of Lublin continues to thrive for future generations.

For a visual guide on preparing this traditional dish, you can watch the following video:

Bright Beginnings: Rare Javan Lutung Born in Gdańsk Zoo

By

mp

-

25/12/2024

Discover the rare orange Javan lutung born at Gdańsk Zoo, a vivid symbol of conservation efforts for this endangered primate.

A rare Javan lutung, characterized by its striking orange fur, has been born at Gdańsk Zoo. This coloration ensures the young monkey is easily visible to its group, promoting care and protection. In the wild, Javan lutungs are primarily found on Java and typically display silver-black fur as adults, with only the young showcasing this vivid hue.

Exceptional Group Care

Javan lutungs are highly social, with all females in the group contributing to the care of offspring. This cooperative behavior ensures the newborn receives constant protection and attention.

Leaf-Loving Diet

The species thrives on a plant-based diet, mainly consisting of leaves. At the zoo, the monkeys are fed frozen maple leaves, leafy vegetables, and specialized pellets designed for leaf-eating primates.

Conservation Concerns

Javan lutungs face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, which endanger their survival. Conservation efforts are crucial for this vulnerable species.

Winter Wonderland or Not? A Christmas Weather Outlook

By

mp

-

25/12/2024

Shovelling snow from the sidewalk is not always good for the heart — Pexels

Discover Poland’s Christmas weather: mild in many areas with local snowfall in the mountains. Check out regional forecasts!

Mild Conditions with Local Snowfall

This Christmas, Poland faces a mix of weather conditions, with snowy landscapes limited to specific regions. Temperatures are expected to hover between -3°C in the east and 5°C in the west. While southern and mountainous areas like Małopolska may experience up to 10 cm of snow, much of the country will see rain or sleet, especially during the day.

Evening and Overnight Forecasts

Nighttime conditions bring freezing temperatures, especially in the southeast, and localized fog reducing visibility. Winds may intensify in mountainous regions, causing occasional snowdrifts. Despite this, the holiday atmosphere remains chilly and festive in selected areas.

Green Revitalization: New Trees Coming to Kraków’s Main Square

By

a m

-

25/12/2024

Kraków’s Main Square, one of Europe’s largest medieval town squares, is set for a green transformation thanks to a winning proposal from the city’s 2022 participatory budget. Experts from the Kraków University of Technology have crafted a plan to add more trees to the square, enhancing its natural beauty and helping to combat urban heat islands. The initiative has received approval from the provincial heritage conservation officer, ensuring that the new plantings will respect both the historic and environmental integrity of this iconic space.

The trees will be planted in several key locations around the square, including the area surrounding the Church of St. Wojciech, where new trees will complement ancient ones. Additional plantings will be made near the Town Hall Tower, along the eastern side of the Sukiennice, and by the famous fountain. Special care will also be taken to plant trees along the western side of the square, where underground relics will be protected through georadar studies.

Five tree species have been selected for the project, all chosen for their resilience and suitability to the urban environment. These include the white robinia “Unifoliola,” the field maple “Elsrijk,” and the columnar oaks “Monument.” Linden trees, including small-leaved varieties like “Greenspire” and “Brabant,” will also be planted along the Sukiennice. These species are in line with Poland’s historical landscape and will blend seamlessly with the square’s heritage.

The project is expected to begin with planting in spring 2026, after finalizing project documentation and permits by October 2025. This initiative reflects Kraków’s commitment to blending modern ecological needs with the city’s rich history, creating a greener, more sustainable future for one of the world’s most historic public spaces.

Mieszko II’s Royal Coronation in Gniezno: A Landmark Event in Polish History

By

a m

-

25/12/2024

On December 25th, 1025, Mieszko II was crowned king of Poland in the city of Gniezno, marking a significant moment in the country’s early history. As the son of the powerful Bolesław I the Brave, Mieszko II’s coronation was not only a formal transition of power but also an affirmation of the Piast dynasty’s rule over Poland. Gniezno, long considered the political and spiritual heart of the kingdom, was the ideal location for this historic event, given its importance as the centre of Poland’s Christian faith.

Mieszko II’s Coronation: A Symbol of Poland’s Christian Identity and Struggles for Stability

The coronation was a symbol of Poland’s growing identity as a Christian kingdom. Gniezno was already home to the Archbishopric of Gniezno, a vital institution in the Christianization of Poland. By choosing this city for his coronation, Mieszko II underscored the vital relationship between the monarchy and the Church, signalling to both the people and European powers that Poland was firmly part of the Christian world.

However, Mieszko II’s reign would prove challenging. Although his coronation was a powerful assertion of royal authority, his rule was soon marked by internal strife and external threats. Poland faced invasions from neighbouring powers, particularly from the Holy Roman Empire, and Mieszko II was forced into exile in 1031 after uprisings weakened his position. Despite these difficulties, the coronation remains an important symbol of Poland’s aspirations as a unified kingdom.

Mieszko II’s 1025 Coronation: A Defining Moment in Poland’s Christian Legacy and Monarchical Strength

While overshadowed by the earlier reign of his father, Bolesław I, Mieszko II’s coronation still holds historical significance. It reinforced the importance of the monarchy in Poland’s political landscape and further aligned the country with Christian Europe. The event also highlighted the crucial role that the Church played in legitimizing royal authority, a pattern that would continue throughout Polish history.

The coronation of Mieszko II on Christmas Day 1025 remains a key moment in the nation’s early medieval history. Despite the challenges that followed his reign, it stands as a reminder of Poland’s Christian heritage and the efforts of the Piast dynasty to consolidate power during a time of political and military uncertainty. Gniezno, as the site of this historic event, continues to be a symbol of Poland’s enduring legacy.

Best of the best! Moczka especially for Christmas – recipe

By

a m

-

25/12/2024

Silesian dessert called 'moczka' — Poland Daily 24

There are quite a few versions of ‘moczka’ in Silesia, and each housewife prepares it in her own way – they differ in the ingredients, but the basis is always gingerbread.

‘Moczka’ is a Silesian Christmas Eve dish based on soaked gingerbread. As with traditional recipes, it looks a little different in every home. It can be prepared in many different ways with a mixture of fruit compotes, or even with a dark beer.

There is no equivalent for it, even in the Polish language. The name comes from the process of soaking (Polish: moczenie) gingerbread in beer. Even though ‘moczka’ might not look appetizing, it tastes delicious. It is made from gingerbread which has to soak in lager. Then, sweet, canned pears and plums, strawberry compote and almonds are added. The preparation is quite easy but takes time. After the solemn Christmas dinner, ‘moczka’ is served for dessert.

Ingredients:

– 1 kg / 35.3 oz of gingerbread (if you prefer thicker consistency of moczka, you can add more gingerbread),

– 2 tablespoons of sugar,

– 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar,

– 25 dag / 88 oz sultana raisins,

– 25 dag / 88 oz almonds finely chopped,

– 2 strawberry compotes (approximately 2 litres / 68 fl oz),

– 2 plum compotes without stones (approximately 2 litres / 68 fl oz),

– 2 pear compotes (approximately 2 litres / 68 fl oz),

– 2 tablespoons butter,

– 4 bottles of lager (approximately 2 litres / 68 fl oz).

Preparation:

1. Soak the gingerbread in lager, until it softens.

2. When softened, rub it precisely through a sieve.

3. Cut the pears from the compote into stripes.

4. Place the gingerbread in a big pot and add compotes to this.

5. Stir everything and add fruit from the compotes.

6. Boil the raisins in water.

7. Add the stock from raisins to gingerbread with fruit and compote.

8. Stir everything thoroughly.

9. In the meantime, cook the finely chopped almonds until soft.

10. Drain them and add them to the almost done ‘moczka.’

11. Heat everything gently until it comes to a gentle boil.

12. Melt the butter in a small pot.

12. Finally, add vanilla sugar, sugar, and melted butter to ‘moczka.’

Serve chilled and enjoy this amazing taste 😋

The article was first published in 2023.

Christmas greetings from the president of Poland

By

a m

-

25/12/2024