The Polish Pottery Mart

Jan.

 2012

Greetings!

 Savage Mill Events

Polish Phrase of the Month

New Year's Eve in Poland

Sylvester I & Emperor Constantine

New Year's Eve in Poland is also known as St. Sylvester's Eve.  The name for this holiday dates back to a legend that arose when Pope Sylvester I was said to have imprisoned a dragon called Leviathan.  This imprisoned dragon was believed to have the opportunity to escape on the first day of year 1000.  It was said that if the dragon escaped, he would devour the land, and the people.

"On New Year's Day [of year 1000], when the world did not come to an end, there was great rejoicing and from then on this day was called St. Sylvester's Eve."

When celebrating New Year's Eve in Polish cities, individuals generally attend formal or semi-formal balls.  In the rural areas of Poland, on the other hand, New Year's Eve is traditionally known as "an occasion to commit pranks of all kinds."

New Year's Day in Poland

Paczki Donuts

There are also some special traditions for New Year's Day in Poland.

Historically on New Year's Day, individuals in Poland would bake bread in the shape of various animals, such as sheep, rabbits, geese, and cows.  "Godparents often gave these bread animals with best wishes to Godchildren as presents."

Polish individuals would also make paczki donuts to assure wealth for the whole year.

Another New Year's Day tradition is to bake bread in the shapes of a ring or a cross.  The breads are hidden at the dinner table, and used for fortune telling.  An individual who found the ring would signify that marriage awaits.  A cross signifies the entry in to clergy.

Some other traditions for New Year's Day include:

• "Those who wake up early on New Year's Day will wake up early for the rest of the year."
• "Those who touched the floor with the right foot when getting up from bed could expect a lot of good luck the whole year."

Information on New Year's Eve & Day in Poland Courtesy of: http://www.polishtoledo.com/customs.htm

Special Sales for January 

• 25% off remaining Christmas items!
• 25% off goblets and clocks to help you ring in the New Year in style!
• l5% off pattern of the month - #034

Polish Pottery Bingo:

Sunday, January 22  

Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
           Doors open at 12:15 p.m.

Location: Upper-level of New Weave

                 Building in Family Game

                 Store's Game Room

20 games for $25

Just $20 when you RSVP!

If you are new to our Bingo event, be sure to bring a marker to mark your cards.  We will also have Bingo dabbers available for just $1 each.

We need 20 players to have our Bingo event so we hope you can make it!

RSVP by: Friday, January 20,at noon to get the $20 admission price.

For your convenience, please RSVP below or contact Diane at: diane@polishpotterymart.com

Yes! I want to attend.

No. I cannot attend this event.

Peter and Laura Zeranski Authors of: Polish Classic Recipes

Polish Recipe of the Month:

Polish-Style Beef Stew

By: Peter and Laura Zeranski 

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Salt & pepper the beef cubes. At the same time sauté the onions and brown the beef cubes on all sides. The onions should be golden. Transfer to your favorite pot and be sure to scrape all the brown crud from the skillet and add it to the pot - that brown stuff is solid flavor. Add the bouillon, tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, mushrooms. Add mushroom bouillon or Maggi, if desired. Cover loosely; bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer until meat is tender, up to two hours depending on the cut of meat used. Watch that the liquid does not all evaporate. Add water as needed. Just before serving, mix in the flour and sour cream to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle parsley over the top. Serve with a mixed salad, your favorite green vegetable and a hearty red wine.

To purchase their cookbook, visit our shop in Historic Savage Mill! 

For more information about Peter and Laura, visit their blog: Click Here