Easter in Warmia and Masuria – customs, traditions and relaxation

By exploring the old Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria, we discover a fascinating blend of cultures, beliefs and rituals that over centuries shaped the region's identity. Although contemporary celebrations resemble those known from other parts of Poland, local tradition still conceals unique rites tied to nature awakening and spiritual cleansing.

The modern perspective often blurs regional differences, but it is worth reflecting on what set these lands apart in the past. Centuries of close coexistence between Polish, German and Prussian populations created a distinctive festive character here.

Easter in Warmia and Masuria

The uniqueness of this region stems from its complex history. Warmia, historically Catholic (part of the Kingdom of Poland), placed great emphasis on liturgy, processions and the blessing of food. In turn, Masuria, dominated by Lutheranism, observed a stricter, more domestic form of celebration focused on Bible reading and communal singing of chorales. Although both groups shared similar folk superstitions (resulting from their Prussian roots), their ritual calendars differed fundamentally – in Masuria the tradition of blessing food or adorning the Lord's Tomb was not known.

A common denominator for both lands was the rhythm of nature. After a long, harsh winter, which in this part of the country can linger unusually strongly, the arrival of spring was welcomed with great hope. Lakes freed themselves from ice and fieldwork became necessary. Thus the holiday period was not only a religious experience but also a symbolic opening of a new agricultural cycle. People believed that properly performed rituals would ensure a good harvest and protect the household from misfortunes.

Palm Sunday

Preparations for the holidays began long before Easter Sunday. The pivotal moment was Palm Sunday, called here Kwietna (Flowering Sunday). Interestingly, traditional palms in this region looked completely different from the decorative, folk-art versions many recognize. They did not contain colorful dried flowers or dyed grasses. The palm had to be alive. It was constructed from willow branches, raspberry, currant twigs and, above all, juniper. It was believed that only plants that were still sap-bearing had the power to transmit vitality.

One of the more peculiar customs is associated with this Sunday. Blessed pussy willow catkins were swallowed. This was believed to protect against sore throats and colds throughout the year. Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria also included ritual whipping of household members with palms, accompanied by the formula: "I do not strike, the palm strikes." These blows were not intended to cause pain but to symbolically drive winter laziness and evil out of the body.

An important element of preparations was a thorough cleaning, which had significance beyond hygiene. Whitewashing walls with lime, scrubbing floors with sand and airing bedding were interpreted as a way to drive winter and disease out of the cottage. It was believed that dirt attracted evil forces, so cleanliness was a necessary condition for safely experiencing the holidays.

Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria – The Paschal Triduum

Holy Week was a time of quiet. On Good Friday – the most important day for Masurian Evangelicals – absolute silence and strict fasting were observed. In Warmia, on the other hand, it was a time of preparation for the Saturday liturgy.

Holy Saturday was the moment when denominational differences were most visible. While Warmians would crowd to churches with baskets full of bread, eggs and horseradish, Masurian farmers did not have their food blessed. For them, the blessing of food was an alien custom. They concentrated more on preparing the household and baking cakes for Sunday morning.
The common element, however, was the blessing of fire and water in Warmia, which was attributed with cleansing and protective powers for the entire farmstead.

An interesting part of the Saturday liturgy was the blessing of fire and water. Previously extinguished household hearths were rekindled with fire brought from the church (often using a tinder fungus). This symbolized new life and was meant to warm the household with divine care. Holy water was sprinkled not only on rooms but also on farm buildings and animals, showing how strongly Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria were intertwined with the agricultural everyday life of the inhabitants.

Easter Sunday and Monday in Warmia and Masuria

Sunday morning usually began very early. In Warmia the Resurrection Mass took place at dawn and was often accompanied by the roar of drums or gunshots intended to wake the world and proclaim the Resurrection. The Easter breakfast was plentiful and rich. After forty days of fasting, tables were filled with hams, sausages, eggs and babkas. Sharing an egg looked similar to other regions, although in Masuria it was often limited to consumption by household members without exchanging wishes.

In this region, Easter Monday was not associated with water but with the "szmagster" (whipping). Boys walked around villages with sprigs of kadyk (juniper), whipping girls' legs. It was a health and matrimonial ritual. Importantly, the very gifts (eggs, cake) that they received in exchange for being "redeemed" from the whipping were here called the dyngus. The traditional water-splashing Śmigus-Dyngus is a post‑war intrusion into these lands.

It is worth mentioning a custom that Masurian Easter owes to German influences and which today is known throughout Poland – searching for the Easter bunny. On Sunday morning children ran into the garden or orchard to find sweets and small gifts hidden in nests of grass.

Easter by the lake at Głęboczek Resort Vine & SPA

Contemporary celebrations allow combining tradition with relaxation. Although the Brodnickie Lakeland historically lies at the junction of the Chełmno and Michałowo Lands, its proximity to the Masurian region means influences from different borderland cultures overlap here. The property located by Lake Forbin is an ideal base for feeling the spirit of Old Prussia while observing nature awakening in comfortable conditions.

Guests choosing an Easter by the lake in this place can expect a culinary journey through the flavors of the region. In the Morellino Restaurant, Head Chef Marian Frankowski prepares a menu based on local, seasonal products, which alludes to the old respect for the gifts of the land. Breakfasts and dinners presented this way are a modern interpretation of festive abundance.

Relaxing at Głęboczek Resort & Vine also offers the chance to use an extensive wellness area. After walks in the fresh spring air, guests have access to year-round jacuzzis (indoor and outdoor) and a sauna zone, including a Finnish sauna and a flower steam room. A unique element of the offer is Vine SPA, specializing in vinotherapy treatments. For those seeking cold exposure – in line with old beliefs about the health-giving power of water – a vitality pool with water at around 12 degrees Celsius is available. Families with children will appreciate the hotel infrastructure, which allows the youngest to spend time actively regardless of April weather whims.

Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria – summary

The Warmia and Masuria region is a place where echoes of old beliefs still resonate in local culture. From whipping with juniper to searching for the bunny in the garden, these traditions recall the close bond between people and nature. Whether you plan to spend this time at home or in a lakeside hotel, it is worth knowing the roots of these rituals. If you are thinking of spending the upcoming holidays surrounded by nature, check availability and plan Easter at Głęboczek in advance.

FAQ – Easter customs in Warmia and Masuria

1. Is Śmigus-Dyngus practiced in Warmia and Masuria?
Traditionally, the custom in this region was dominated by whipping with juniper or birch twigs (so-called whipping or szmaganie/szmagster). Splashing with water, known as Dyngus, became popular only later, gradually supplanting the old rites.

2. What is kadyk in Easter tradition?
Kadyk is the regional name for juniper. Sprigs of this shrub were commonly used to make Easter palms and to whip legs on Easter Monday, which was believed to ensure health and vitality.

3. How did palms in Warmia differ from those in other parts of Poland?
Palms in Warmia and Masuria had to be made from living plants, not dried flowers. They consisted mainly of willow branches with catkins, juniper, boxwood and twigs of fruit shrubs, e.g. currant.

4. Where did the custom of searching for the Easter bunny in Masuria come from?
This custom came to the area from Germany. On Easter Sunday, children searched gardens for sweets and small presents hidden in nests of grass by the mythical bunny. Today this tradition is known throughout Poland.

5. What dishes dominated the Easter table in this region?
After the fasting period, tables featured rich and hearty dishes: hams, sausages, roasts and thick soups. Baked goods held an important place, including Easter babkas and mazurkas, and of course eggs in various forms.

6. Where should you go for an Easter stay if you also want to use professional rehabilitation?
If you are looking to combine a festive atmosphere with health regeneration, consider the spa town of Ciechocinek. Facilities such as Villa Park Med & SPA offer Easter packages that combine a traditional breakfast with access to a modern treatment base and specialist consultations.