Polish Culture
Poland has had a long history that has seen some very difficult moments along the way. If you are intending to go to Poland or date a Polish girl then you should always take the time to get to know the culture and its history so that you have some idea of the requirements and expectations. This way when you arrive and interact with Polish citizens you'll be able to understand what is important and how it applies to any given situation.
The majority of the population is made up of city dwellers and English is a popular language. It shouldn't be hard to find a street smart Polish citizen who can speak enough English to hold a simple conversation with you at any time without requiring a major grasp on the Polish language. While it will always be convenient to carry some sort of translation guide the language isn?t necessary to learn completely before you visit the country.
You may commonly see a wafer style creation made in stores and homes that are generally referred to as a wafer cut out. These are symbolic of the folk art style of making cut outs that appear as decorative features for celebrations and customary days. It is just one very simple food that is very well known to the Polish people and highly regarded as a skill that Polish women should have.
Other food in Poland involves quite heavy breakfasts which is quite common through Europe. Eating a heavier meal in the morning and tapering to lighter meals as the day goes on is an age old practice that has been seen across a range of countries and Poland is no different. If you're invited to someone's home to eat, expect a celebratory meal and atmosphere. You should always take a gift for the host - even some flowers or token item is fine to use. It doesn't have to be extravagant but it will be expected of you.
The Polish are an affectionate nation and the people are often seen kissing cheeks in greetings. While this is not a standard greeting offered to all strangers you may find family of people you know greeting you this way even if you've never met before. While to some Westerners this might seem unusual or encroaching on personal space, it should be treated with respect and returned.
When addressing a Polish person you should always use their first name, prefixed by Pan or Pani depending on the gender. It is considered rude to refer to someone by their surname, and doing so may cause offence. Similarly if you're invited to toast with a Bruderszaft then it is vital that you participate. It is similar to a handshake for Western culture and is often the precursor to an informal conversation or evening.
Because of the Catholic history and beliefs of many Polish people it is important to discover and remember any friends and associates patron saint. On the feast day you must wish good greetings to the person as it is sometimes thought to be a more appropriate occasion for celebration than a birthday. While Poland may seem confusing and full of foreign culture at first, the people are warm and friendly and will be happy to help you understand their country and its people.