We’re on a treasure hunt! That’s a POSZUKIWANIE SKARBÓW in Polish.

We’re using Baron Grindwal’s map to learn more about POLSKA – or Poland as we call it in the UK.

Baron Grindwal was a riddler – and so to explore POLSKA, we’re going to have to solve some of his riddles.

In this episode, we’ll find out about what makes Poland such a special and unique country. And what makes Poland stand out from the crowd?

So let’s get underway with the Baron’s first riddle.

Riddle 1: “In peace and war to battles end – standing side by side with friends.”

Everyone needs PRZYJACIELE – that’s Polish for friends! I wonder if it could be that the country of Poland has always had many friends and allies.

That’s important partly because Poland is surrounded by many countries – and it’s a good idea to get along with your neighbours. Poland has been an ally in many battles – from siding with LITWA – or Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410…

To standing alongside other European countries to defeat the Ottoman Turks in 1683. The Polish King JAN III SOBIESKI led the defence of Vienna with Polish HUSSARS and won!

Not forgetting the Second World War, when the Polish joined the British to help defeat the Germans. So Poland certainly has a lot of friends!

Riddle 2: “Pride and triumph, Flags are flown – With the strength to stand alone.”

Poland as a country has existed for over a thousand years. But for 120 of those years it was ruled by others including Germany, Austria and Russia. This came to an end in 1918 when Poland regained NIEPODLEGŁOŚĆ – her independence and could truly stand alone again.

So how did this change occur?

Well, it was all to do with the end of the PIERWSZA WOJNA ŚWIATOWA – that’s the first world war. The war changed the face of Europe with many countries losing or gaining territories and power. It meant that Poland could take back control of her country and rule itself once more.

Every year Poland celebrates ŚWIĘTO NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI – that’s Independence Day – on 11th NOVEMBER. 2018 marked STULECIE – the centenary – 100 years of independence – a real cause of pride and of strength!

Riddle 3: “A welcome warm to come inside, with visitors from far and wide.”

I wonder if the Baron was thinking of how Poland has always been open to different cultures, opinions and ideas. For many years, it has given safe haven to people who had to flee their countries because of their religious beliefs.

And Poland remains home to many who were originally from a multitude of countries – such as Germany, Russia, Vietnam, Italy, Greece and even from Britain! So you’ll definitely receive a warm welcome!

And all the different cultures will lead to plenty of friendships… This is looking good – and friendship and tolerance are real treasures too!

Click here to learn more Polish!

Polish words and phrases:

PRZYJACIELE – friends
NIEPODLEGŁOŚĆ – independence
TRAKTAT – treaty
PIERWSZA WOJNA ŚWIATOWA – World War I
ŚWIĘTO NIEPODLEGŁOŚCI – Independence Day
STULECIE – centenary, 100th anniversary
KONSTYTUCJA – constitution

More to click:

Click to find out more about Poland’s history