Lesson Transcript

Hi, everybody! Do you know how Polish people celebrate New Year's Day? In this lesson, you'll learn some important phrases about the Polish New Year and some valuable cultural tips.
In Polish, New Year's day is called...
Nowy Rok
[slowly] Nowy Rok
On Nowy Rok, Polish people greet each other by saying Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
(slow) Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
This means "Happy New Year."
When you meet someone for the first time in the new year, be sure to greet them with this phrase.
Polish people also celebrate the holiday with special events and customs, with having a party being the most common.
przyjęcie
(slow) przyjęcie
This means "party."
Poles always celebrate New Year's Eve quite noisily. According to an ancient prophecy, at midnight, on the night of the turn of the 10th century the Leviathan, or Lewiatan, imprisoned by Pope Sylvester, was to awaken and destroy the world, spewing sulfur and fire. But, when the deciding moment came, the Leviathan didn't break free, and, filled with joy, the people poured out into the streets, dancing, singing and drinking wine. Thus began the tradition of noisy, happy celebrations.
On this special day, Polish people have fajerwerki
(slow) fajerwerki
This means "fireworks."
At exactly midnight, or północ, the whole nation lights up as bright as day. People welcome the New Year with champagne and fireworks, setting them off not only at outdoor events organized by the city, but also in the streets in front of their houses. All across Poland, people come outside to admire the fireworks, called fajerwerki, shimmering all around.
Let's wrap up this lesson by recapping what you've learned. Listen to the expression and repeat after me.
"New Year's Day"
Nowy Rok
* beep
Nowy Rok
"Happy New Year!"
Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
* beep
Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
"party"
przyjęcie
* beep
przyjęcie
"fireworks"
fajerwerki
* beep
fajerwerki
Well done! [pause] Here's a fun fact!
What do Polish people call the night before the first day of the New Year?
The answer is Saint Sylvester's Day. Pope Sylvester I was the one who imprisoned the monster, and thus this day was named after him.
You just learned how Polish people celebrate "New Year's Day" and some important facts about the holiday.
And if you want to learn Polish twice as fast, just click the link in the description and download tons of PDF lessons for FREE!
I'll see you next time. Dziękuję i do zobaczenia na następnej lekcji!

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