In Poland, Women’s Day began to be celebrated on a large scale until after the Second World War. It has been skilfully used by the socialist governments to promote the image of a woman, as the leading lady of work, who through effort and dedication supports her country.

In those years, it was a mandatory day of celebration in workplaces and schools. Women would receive carnations and other products that were generally difficult to find back then, such as tights, towels, or coffee.

As you can see, International Women’s Day is an important holiday steeped in the country’s culture. Learn even more about this holiday with PolishPod101.com!

1. What is International Women’s Day in Poland?

Taking place on 8 March, Women’s Day in Poland is essentially a day to celebrate and honor women for their achievements. International Women’s Day in Poland is both a day of gift-giving and of prompting greater respect for women in general, and is a holiday taken fairly seriously in Poland.

In Poland, International Women’s Day has historical and social implications that make it a widely observed holiday. Learn more about Women’s Day in Poland below.

2. When is it?

Each year in Poland, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8.

3. How is International Women’s Day Celebrated in Poland?

Read the Polish text below to find out how Women’s Day in Poland is celebrated. You can find the English translation directly below it.

—–
Tradycja obdarowywania kobiet drobnymi upominkami czy kwiatami zachowała się do dziś. Obecnie najpopularniejszym prezentem jest tulipan. Kiedy kobiety spotykają mężczyzn w ten dzień, niezależnie od tego czy jest to szef, współpracownik, kolega czy tata, zwykle mogą liczyć na symbolicznego tulipana. Jest to bardzo miły gest, nie praktykowany jednak przez wszystkich. Niektórzy uważają bowiem Dzień Kobiet za socjalistyczny przeżytek i nie obchodzą go.

W miastach co roku organizowane są specjalne imprezy z myślą o kobietach. Można więc spędzić ten dzień trochę inaczej niż zwykle i wybrać się na jeden z licznych koncertów czy spektakli wystawianych tylko dzień 8 marca. Wiele centrów handlowych organizuje warsztaty, przeróżne pokazy, np. makijażu, kąciki z poradami od stylistów czy ekspertów w dziedzinach zdrowia i urody, królują również konkursy i szansy na wygranie bonów towarowych.

Często w większych miastach można spotkać młodych mężczyzn z naręczami tulipanów wręczajacych je nieznajomym kobietom na ulicach. Nierzadko takie akcje organizowane są również przez telewizje lub stacje radiowe.

—–

The tradition of giving women little gifts or flowers has survived to this day. Today, the most popular gift is the tulip. When women meet men on this day, regardless of whether it is their boss, colleague, friend, or father, they can usually count on receiving a symbolic tulip. It is a very nice gesture, but not practiced by all. Some people think that Women’s Day is a socialist hangover so they do not celebrate it.

Each year, in the cities, special events are organized with women in mind. So you can spend this day a little differently than usual and go to one of the many concerts or performances held only on March 8. Many shopping centers organize workshops and a variety of shows, such as make-up shows, booths with tips from stylists, or advice from experts in the fields of health and beauty. There are also plenty of contests and chances to win shopping vouchers.

Often in larger cities, you can find young men with bunches of tulips, handing them out to women on the streets. It’s fairly common for these events to be organized by television or radio stations as well.

4. Additional Information

Women’s Day was a public holiday in Poland during the Polish People’s Republic (PRL), but since 1993 it has not been. However, this doesn’t change the fact that this is an opportunity to spend the day a little differently than usual.

5. Must-know Vocab

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for International Women’s Day in Poland!

• Dzień Kobiet — Women’s Day
• Matka — Mother
• Czekolada — Chocolate
• Kobieta — Woman
• Bukiet kwiatów — Bouquet
• Tulipan — Tulip
• Prawo — Right
• Dziewczyna — Girlfriend
• Dawać — Give
• Szacunek — Respect
• Równouprawnienie kobiet — Women’s empowerment

To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, visit our Polish International Women’s Day vocabulary page. Here you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning about Polish International Women’s Day with us. Does your country celebrate International Women’s Day or another holiday celebrating and respecting women? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about Polish culture and the language, visit us at PolishPod101.com! We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community to discuss lessons with fellow Polish learners. You can also check out our MyTeacher program if you’re interested in a one-on-one learning experience with your own personal Polish teacher.

Until next time, we wish you success as you continue in your studies. Know this: Your hard work and practice will pay off big and you’ll be speaking Polish like a native before you know it!