Happy midsommer - Szczęśliwej nocy swiętojańskej

Midsummer is upon us, so celebrate with flowers and fun. Traditionally the women would make wianki (floral wreaths) from wild flowers. Other traditions include bonfires, which you dance around and jump over to give wishes. For the unmarried womenfolk their wreaths would be floated on a river, often with a candle in the centre. If the wreaths went quickly it meant you would be married soon if they bumped into another wreath this was also a positive sign.

Barszcz with the family.

then wreath making

The flowers were collected from our own łąka (meadow) which is normally harvested for hay for the animals.

some local pixies

all the inhabitants were interested

I do love the colours of Polish wildflowers, and the best thing is that they even pop up in town.

everyone gets involved

Bacchus visited

I declare, wreaths for all.

Then it is always important to round off any celebrations with a firm drink. A mixture of ginger ale, lemon balm, mint, lime and dark rum hit the spot.

What have you been doing?

Sorry for anyone wanting an update, but I have been a maniac of late. I was of course in Scotland, then had the family over here from Australia for 3 weeks. I then had a Polish test (nightmare!) a few other job related things going on to distract me and I just finished writing my second article for a magazine. If you want to see the first one, it is here:

http://www.blackhawkpublishing.com.au/journey-magazine-book.shtml

Unfortunately, the first edition, Winter, is only available in Tasmania, Australia but the next issue, Spring, isn't too far away from hitting the shelves. So if in Australia keep an eye open.

I hope to be back with some posts on here in the next week or so.

Yes, everyone seems happy with that.