How do Poles commemorate the vernal equinox? If you think you've seen everything there is to see in Poland, you should definitely check out these customs!

Truant's Day

In Poland, the arrival of spring is marked by a few distinctive customs. The first day of spring (March 21st) is usually associated with Truant's Day (Dzień Wagarowicza) in schools. Despite the fact that its origins are unknown, this unofficial holiday has been observed by generations of Polish students and learners. Those who wanted to take a break from algebra or microbiology and breathe in some fresh spring air instead used Truant's Day as an excuse to skip courses in the past. To keep their students inside, schools began to organize special events such as dress-up contests, sports competitions, and theatre performances. Nowadays, school field trips to the movies, museums, and botanical gardens are widespread. While the idea of being truant on Truant's Day still appeals to some kids, the original "custom" appears to be less popular than in the past.

Marzanna

Aside from Truant's Day, there is an older and more stranger ritual in Poland that marks the first day of spring: the drowning of a Marzanna doll. The origins of this one-of-a-kind rite can be traced back to Slavic times, since Marzanna, also known as Morana, was a Slavic goddess who represented winter and death. Her effigy, which was usually a straw doll, had to be burned or drowned in a river in order to drive winter away and bring spring. Although the Catholic Church tried unsuccessfully to put a stop to the pagan ceremony throughout medieval times, the habit has endured to this day. The custom is currently considered as a fun activity for children of all ages, especially younger ones, who can express their creativity by making their own Marzanna dolls out of old garments, newspapers, sticks, and tissue paper. Nowadays, dolls are not usually drowned, because to... environmental concerns. Instead, groups of kindergarten students can go on a walk with their Marzannas and sing some springtime songs.

 Gaik

Another tradition known as gaik or maik can still be found in some parts of Poland (meaning "a copse"). A gaik is a decorated pine twig or branch with ribbons, colorful beads, flowers, or other small trinkets. A branch like this is then carried in a procession across a community to commemorate the arrival of spring. This tradition, however, is not as well-known as Marzanna's and is thought to be dwindling.

Does your country have any interesting spring traditions?