Every year, on August 15, Poland and many other Catholic countries celebrate one of the most important and oldest Marian feasts - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs. This extraordinary event, which combines religious devotion with folk traditions, is deeply rooted in the history and culture of our nation.
This article will guide you through a wealth of interesting facts, revealing the meaning, customs and history of this unique holiday. From its ancient roots to modern celebrations, we will introduce you to all aspects of Our Lady of the Herbs so that you can fully appreciate its charm and significance to Polish identity.
The origins and meaning of the feast of Our Lady of the Herbs
The origins of the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs date back to the 5th century, when Christians began to celebrate the Assumption of the Mother of God, i.e. her passage from earthly life to heaven.
glory of heaven. According to tradition, this event took place on August 15 , in Jerusalem - the hometown of Mary. Over time, this cult spread throughout the West, and then also reached Slavic countries.
The name " Mother of God Herbs " is not accidental. It refers to the custom of blessing various types of plants in churches - grains, herbs, fruits and vegetables. This act symbolizes gratitude for abundant harvests and a request for prosperity in the coming year.
Symbolism and traditions related to Our Lady of the Herbs
Traditions associated with Our Lady of the Herbs date back to before Christianity. It was believed that plants blessed on this day had extraordinary healing and apotropaic properties, protecting people and animals from illness and evil forces.
That is why the bouquets blessed in churches could not be complete without herbs such as wormwood, yarrow, thyme, St. John's wort or mint. A special role was played
also aconite, considered a plant with special power to drive away evil spirits. It was believed that blessed crops could help maidens to have a happy marriage.
This custom is still alive today - every year on August 15, the faithful bring beautiful bouquets of various plants to churches, which are then solemnly blessed.
Polish Army Day - double celebration on August 15
August 15 is not only the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs, but also the Polish Army Day - one of the most important national holidays in our country. On this day in 1920, the victorious Battle of Warsaw took place, which stopped the Bolshevik invasion of Poland.
On this occasion, ceremonial celebrations, military parades and various cultural events are organized throughout Poland. This is a great opportunity to pay tribute to Polish soldiers, both those who fought in the past and those who currently serve in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland.
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Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs - a day off from work
The Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs, which falls on August 15 , is a public holiday. For this reason, most shops and institutions remain closed on this day. The exceptions are petrol stations, pharmacies and small, local shops run by the owners themselves. For many Poles, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a long weekend, spending time with family or at church ceremonies.
Celebrations of the feast of Our Lady of the Herbs in various regions of Poland
Although the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs is celebrated throughout Poland, in individual regions of the country we can observe slightly different traditions and customs associated with this event.
In Podlasie, for example, it is popular to decorate houses and churches with fresh flowers, herbs and fruit tree branches. 
In Kashubia, the faithful bring to churches beautiful wreaths woven from ears of grain, fruit, and vegetables.
In Mazovia, on the other hand, a traditional element of the celebrations is a procession with the figure of Our Lady of the Herbs , which is then solemnly carried into the church. Similar customs can also be observed in the Lublin region and in Lesser Poland.
Our Lady of the Herbs in the eyes of contemporary Poles
Although the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs has a long tradition dating back centuries, it still plays an important role in the lives of contemporary Poles. For many of them, it is a time of joyful celebration, connecting with loved ones, and celebrating the bond with native culture and Christianity.
Studies show that as many as 85% of Poles celebrate this holiday, and more than half of them participate in church celebrations. For many, it is also an opportunity to reflect on Mary's role in the life of the nation and to give thanks for the abundant harvest.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs is therefore not only a religious event, but also an important element of Polish identity, connecting the past with the present.
Our Lady of the Herbs and Contemporary Social Challenges
The Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs, although rooted in religious tradition, also has an important social dimension. Its celebrations become an opportunity to integrate local communities, strengthen interpersonal bonds and emphasize the importance of family.
Celebrating together, participating in processions and church ceremonies, as well as sharing blessed plants are forms of building a sense of community. 
belonging and solidarity. In this way, the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs contributes to strengthening social ties, so important in an era of increasing individualization.
Moreover, traditions associated with this event, such as giving bouquets to young ladies, can be interpreted as an expression of concern for the fate of young people and help in making important life decisions.
Summary
Although the Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs has a long and rich tradition, it is still evolving, adapting to changing times and social needs. Blessing plants becomes an expression of concern for the natural environment, and joint celebration - an opportunity to build interpersonal bonds.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Herbs can be seen as a valuable element of cultural heritage that is worth protecting and passing on to future generations. Its popularity among Poles indicates that this tradition is still alive and nurtured, constituting an important foundation of our national identity.
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