Joyce M
St. Andrew (Andrzejki) Celebrations in Poland: A Magical Preschool Tradition
Andrzejki, or St. Andrew’s Day, is a cherished Polish tradition celebrated on the eve of November 30th. Rooted in folk customs, this festive occasion is all about mystery, fortune-telling, and a bit of whimsical fun. Although traditionally observed by adults, Andrzejki is also embraced in preschools across Poland as a way to introduce children to cultural heritage and engage them in imaginative play.
At our preschool, we celebrated St. Andrew's (Andrzejki) this year with a series of exciting activities that delighted our little ones while sparking their curiosity about the traditions of their country. Here’s how we made this magical day unforgettable!
Fortune-Telling of Future Careers
One of the most popular Andrzejki activities is predicting future careers, a practice that fuels the children’s imaginations and aspirations. In this activity, children took turns selecting cards or symbols from a mysterious, decorated box. Each card represented a potential profession—doctor, artist, firefighter, teacher, and more.
As each child unveiled their "future," their excitement was contagious. We encouraged conversations about these careers, giving the children a chance to dream big while learning about the many possibilities life holds for them. The joy on their faces as they held up their chosen cards was a testament to how much they enjoyed this playful exploration of their potential.
Candle Wax Predictions: Shapes of the Future
One of the most traditional Andrzejki customs is pouring melted wax into cold water and interpreting the shapes that form as it hardens. This activity sparked the children’s creativity as they watched the wax shapes emerge.
Was that a heart? A tree? Perhaps a crown? Each shape was linked to a possible future event—success, happiness, or an adventurous journey. The children’s imaginations ran wild as they shared their interpretations, and it was wonderful to see them engage in storytelling based on their wax creations.
Fortune-Telling the Name of a Future Lover
A lighthearted twist on an Andrzejki classic involved predicting the names of the children’s future sweethearts. We created this activity in a playful, age-appropriate way by having the children draw folded paper hearts with names written inside. The names were often those of their friends or familiar characters, making the game amusing and relatable.
This activity brought lots of laughter, especially as the children eagerly guessed who the names might belong to. It also gave us an opportunity to discuss friendships, kindness, and the importance of caring for one another.
Andrzejki celebrations in our preschool were a magical blend of tradition and play. The children’s wide-eyed wonder and infectious laughter made the day unforgettable for both them and us as teachers. By blending cultural heritage with age-appropriate activities, we created an experience that was not only enjoyable but also meaningful.
Through fortune-telling games, the children connected with a centuries-old tradition, learning that magic isn’t just about spells or potions—it’s about the joy of imagination and the power of dreaming about the future.
As we wrapped up the day, one thing was clear: Andrzejki remains a beloved tradition that continues to spark curiosity, creativity, and happiness, especially when shared with little ones. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and the enduring magic of childhood wonder.
