Rekawka facts for kids
Rekawka is a fun Polish festival. It happens in Krakow, Poland. You can find it on the Krak Mound, also known as Krakus Mound. This is a very old hill. The festival is celebrated on the first Tuesday after Easter Sunday. It's near St. Benedict's church, one of Krakow's oldest churches.
A Look Back: Rekawka's History
Rekawka started a very long time ago. It comes from old Slavic spring parties. These were called Dziady. For ancient Slavs, spring was a special time. They would light sacred fires to remember people who had passed away. They also planted special groups of trees called groves. It was also a custom to leave food for the dead. The Krak Mound might have been one of the places where these old celebrations happened.
Over time, these old traditions changed. In the 1800s, rich people in Krakow had a special custom. They would throw coins, apples, sweets, and boiled eggs down the grassy Krak Mound. Poor local people would then pick them up. Some historians think this was a way to continue the old Slavic tradition. It was like leaving gifts for those who had passed on.
What's in a Name? The Story of Rekawka
The name of the festival, Rekawka, might come from a legend. This legend is about a famous Slavic prince named Krak. He is said to be the founder of Krakow. He was a great ruler. After he died, the people of Krakow built a very tall mound to honor him.
The legend says they carried earth for the mound in their sleeves. The Polish word for "sleeve" is rekaw. This is why some people believe the festival is called Rekawka.
However, there is another idea about the name. It might come from old Slavic words like raka or rakev. These words mean "grave" or "burial." When archaeologists dug into the Krak Mound, they found many old items. These items were from different cultures and times. They found things from the Stone Age all the way to modern times. They also found some burial remains. These discoveries suggest the mound's name could be linked to these old Slavic words for burial.
Rekawka Today: A Family Festival
Nowadays, Rekawka is a popular folk festival. It's a great chance for a fun family outing. This is especially true if the weather is warm and sunny. You can find many stalls selling sweets and toys. There are also merry-go-rounds for kids to enjoy. Street musicians play lively tunes.
More recently, the festival has added new attractions. You can see medieval knights fighting in mock duels. There are also medieval craftsmen showing their skills. It's a chance to see how people lived long ago. You can also taste traditional Polish dishes. One popular treat is kołacze, a type of sweet bread.
