The death of the Polish president and other government officials may help heal old wounds between Poland and Russia

I was shocked by the news of the tragic airplane accident that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and many important people in Polish political life. Read more about the tragedy in the article: Polish President Dies in a Terrible Tragedy - is this a Curse of Katyn?

The accident happened near Smolensk airport, in western Russia, on April 10. Poles could not believe the news they heard. They spontaneously gathered in the centers of towns to comfort each other. How could a tragedy of this proportion happen? Why were so many important people flying together in one plane?

Read more: Polish-Russian Relations after Smolensk Tragedy

At the end of June, at the time of Summer Solstice, when night is shortest and Nature bursts with blossoms and growth, we celebrate the Holiday of Fire and Water, also called Noc Kupaly, Sobótka or Kres.

The name Kupala is an ancient notion which derives most probably from either:
1. taking a puryfing bath at that time,
2. crowds of people coming and feasting together,
3. the green high pole, similar in its symbolic meaning to Maypole.

Read more: Midsummer in Poland

When I was a child I really liked this feast, since this was my feast! I always thought that the International Children's Day, in Polish: Miedzynarodowy Dzien Dziecka which we celebrated in Poland - is really international. Later I realized that this feast is almost unknown outside of the communistic block, in spite of the fact that it did not become really politicized (in spite of the initial efforts). I also thought that this day was introduced by the United Nations - since it was always called "international" - but in reality the United Nations proclaimed not the June but the November 20th as the Universal Children's Day - by the resolution of the national assembly in 1954. November 20th - is devoted to promoting the welfare of the children of the world.

The stamps below are from 1951 when the communistic government was trying to policize the International Children's Day

The text on the sign with the pictures of communists in the center: Youth! Together we will strengthen the peace

The text's translation: Pioneer love the Peoples' Poland

Read more: International Children's Day - June 1st

Vienna in 1897 was the vibrant capital city of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, that comprised more than a dozen nationalities, including Poles. The Empire had taken southern Poland in the 18th century partitions and called it the province of Galicia. Its residents became Austrian citizens and Vienna draw a share of opportunistic Poles. By the end of the 19th century, one in five Viennese was Polish.

Read more: Mark Twain’s Polish Acquaintances

"The Black Madonna of Derby" is very readable and enjoyable novel about complexities of the life of a Polish origin family settled in Derby, England.

It encompasses three generations starting with babcia (grandmother) who does not even speak English and finishing on the grandchildren. The book encompasses different time periods since it starts before World War II and it finished in late 70s. It shows also glimpses of life in Poland through the dangerous time of war and the street "lapanka" (catching people on the streets and sending them to labor camps in Germany). Eventually we see the post-war communistic Warsaw with its grey buildings and grey streets, but also the full of life cafeterias of Krakow and the spirit of Polish people which is seemingly unbroken in spite of the suffering they have to endure.The story is so interesting that I felt as like I become a part of the Baran family.

Read more: The Black Madonna of Derby - Review