May is coming, and with it, fond memories of “majówka” — May picnics that have become a symbol of spring in full bloom, wonderful relaxation, and a preview of summer holidays. The long May weekend is one of the most anticipated times of the year in Poland. It’s usually the first opportunity in the calendar year for a vacation getaway.
I can still feel the fresh air and the breeze running through my hair, smell the fragrant mix of spring flowers, and feel the warmth of the sun on my face as I walked along the Odra River during those first days of May…
This prolonged break at the beginning of May comes thanks to three important holidays celebrated on the first three days:
- May 1st – International Workers’ Day
- May 2nd – Polish National Flag Day and Polish Diaspora Day
- May 3rd – Constitution Day
Of these three, Constitution Day commemorates the oldest historical event: the proclamation of the Constitution of May 3rd, 1791 — the first modern constitution in Europe. Political scientists recognize it as a remarkably progressive document for its time. For generations, it kept Polish aspirations for independence and a just society alive, continuing to inspire the descendants of its authors. In Poland, it’s viewed as a national symbol and the culmination of all that was good and enlightened in the country’s history and culture.
Unfortunately, celebrating this event was impossible for over a century. It became an official holiday only in 1919, during the Second Polish Republic. Later, under the Polish People’s Republic, it was removed from the calendar. The holiday was reinstated only after the fall of communism, on April 6, 1990.
When I was a child, it was still forbidden. Instead, May 1st – International Workers’ Day was widely celebrated.
Although not observed in the U.S., the event that inspired this holiday actually happened in Chicago in 1886. In Poland, it was established as a public holiday in 1950, when the communists took power. During the People’s Republic era, May Day parades were held to commemorate the working class.
I don’t remember the parades well—just vague memories of crowds, river of people flowing through the street holding banners, and small paper flags on the sticks that were given to kids.
What I remember more clearly is the “battle” for the Polish flag with my childhood friends. I grew up in a large apartment block with seven staircases. Before May 1st, flags were placed on each staircase in a predictable pattern: red flag, Polish flag, red flag, Polish flag… The kids always wanted the Polish flag on their staircase. It all depended on where the maintenance man started. After he was done, groups of kids would swap flags between staircases. There were negotiations, persuasion, secret swaps, even scuffles—because there were only so many Polish flags to go around. As a little girl, I mostly observed and kept watch for intruders, warning the older kids.
The flags never stayed up long. They were removed on May 2nd to ensure they wouldn’t be seen on May 3rd, a forbidden reminder of Polish independence and its first constitution.
Back then, our little “battles” over flags meant something to us. We felt connection to those two stripes:
- White on top, symbolizing purity, honor, and peace
- Red on the bottom, standing for courage and valor
These colors are deeply rooted in Polish history and come from the Polish coat of arms — the white eagle on a red shield. While white and red were officially designated state colors in 1831, and the flag itself became an official national symbol in 1919, the colors had long accompanied Polish knights, undefeatable hussars, and soldiers since medieval ages.
When Poland was partitioned and its national symbols banned, the flag survived in people’s hearts — a sign of hope and resistance, a reminder of shared values and history. It gave Poles strength to continue their traditions and fight for freedom.
The Polish flag has traveled far — carried by emigrants, exiles, researcher across Asia, the Americas, Australia, Africa, and Antarctica. It even reached the Moon and Mars.
Recognizing its importance, the Polish Parliament declared May 2nd as National Flag Day in 2004. It shares this date with Polish Diaspora Day (established in 2002) — intentionally highlighting the contribution of the global Polish community to the country’s independence, culture, and international support.
As part of that diaspora — Polonia — I feel a deep responsibility to preserve our heritage: to share our traditions, teach my children the language, and help them understand the meaning behind our symbols.
I’m always grateful to our ancestors who protected the flag and all that it stands for. Thanks to them, today people in Poland can enjoy “majówka” in a free country and openly sing: “Vivat Maj, Trzeci Maj…” or whatever they please.
May in Seattle is beautiful too — full of greens in every shade, birds singing, and sunshine… When my family and I go for a walk in the nearby woods, it feels like a Polish “majówka.” A time to appreciate spring’s awakening and a time to talk about national symbols, the constitution, and the role we play as ambassadors of our culture.
