As the chill of late November settles over Poland, the eve of Saint Catherine’s Day—known locally as “Katarzynki” — breathes life into age-old customs steeped in romantic anticipation. Celebrated on November 24th, this whimsical tradition allows young bachelors to glimpse their romantic destinies through playful divination rituals, blending camaraderie, folklore, and laughter.
A Night of Fortune-Telling
On Saint Catherine’s Eve, Polish bachelors immerse themselves in rituals designed to uncover clues about their future spouses. Through wax pouring, hidden symbols, and prophetic games, participants seek hints about the qualities or identities of their future brides. The festivities begin with a recited poem, invoking Saint Catherine’s guidance and setting the stage for the evening’s enchanting activities:
“Hej! Kasiu, Katarzynko
Gdzie szukać cię dziewczynko?
Wróżby o ciebie zapytam
Czekaj – wkrótce zawitam!”
One popular tradition involves placing small objects under pillows, such as feathers or pieces of feminine clothing, believed to summon prophetic dreams. Another involves name divination, where cards bearing women’s names are drawn at random, hinting at the identity of a future partner.
Games of Fate
The fortune-telling reaches its peak with games of chance that offer symbolic interpretations of life ahead. In a game with cups, objects hidden beneath them represent marriage, wealth, career success, or stagnation, with each bachelor eager to see what fate has in store. These lighthearted customs evoke laughter and speculation, fostering a sense of community among participants.
Katarzynki vs. Andrzejki
Interestingly, Saint Catherine’s Day serves as the male counterpart to Saint Andrew’s Day (“Andrzejki”), celebrated on November 29th. While “Katarzynki” traditionally caters to young men, “Andrzejki” was once reserved for young women. Over time, however, both festivities have grown to welcome men and women alike, united in their pursuit of romantic revelations.
The customs of “Andrzejki” echo the themes of “Katarzynki,” with its own set of divination games. Wax pouring through a key, symbolic ink blots, and floating paper dreams are among the shared traditions that bridge the two holidays, offering insights into love and destiny.