Polish New Year's Eve Traditions of Sylwester

Dec 20, 2010
Jennifer Ciotta

Polish St. Slyvester's Eve - Author Unknown

Polish New Year's Eve, called Sylwester, is a celebration that began with Pope Sylvester I in historical times. Learn how the Poles celebrate Sylwester.

In Poland, New Year's Eve continues the holiday season. During the Christmas season, the Polish immerse themselves in religious traditions such as Szopa, Polish Christmas nativity scenes, which are an important part of the holidays. All year-round in Poland, religion is at the forefront of everyday society. Home owners have shrines to Jesus and Mary set up in their yards all throughout the countryside.

So when exactly do the Polish get a chance to have fun and party?

St. Sylvester's Eve, the Poland Holiday History

New Year's Eve in Poland is the time for partying. The Polish call their New Year's Eve "Sylwester" or St. Slyvester's Eve. St. Slyvester was Pope Sylvester I. The legend goes that Pope Slyvester bravely imprisoned a dragon named Leviathan. He was a dangerous and ruthless dragon, who planned to escape on the first day of the year 1000. In doing so, he would eat the people and pillage the land. Worst of all, Leviathan planned to set fire to heaven.

On New Year's Day of the year 1000, Leviathan remained imprisoned due to Pope Sylvester. Everyone celebrated because the world did not end by the dragon's evil forces. From then on, New Year's Eve was known as Sylwester in Poland. Both Germany and Austria also celebrate this night as St. Slyester's Eve.

Parties in Hotels in Warsaw Poland & Beyond

Many Polish attend formal New Year's Eve balls. In fact, a famous ball is put on by the Warsaw Philharmonic society. Dancing, drinking and ringing in the New Year takes place in a castle in Golub-Dobrzyn. The Polish "man of the year" attends the ball, much to everyone's delight.

In normal Polish towns, the people attend less formal balls. In some of the bigger towns and cities, the Polish put on firework displays. In villages, the people throw barn parties and celebrate all night long. Party revelers drink and dance. At the fancier parties, hosts treat their guests to a delicious, cooked breakfast.

In historical times, tricks ensued as well. Youngsters smeared windows and doorknobs with tar. They hid pots from their owners. Youngsters played these tricks because they were automatically forgiven once the New Year came.

The Polish use St. Sylvester's Eve to let loose and party the night away. It is the one night of the year to relax on strict religious rituals and have fun. And as the Polish say, "Szczesliwego Nowego Roku" or a prosperous New Year to you.

Check out the Suite 101 Eastern European History blog.