Think about that for a minute - Poland effectively did not exist for 123 years! But it's here now. I find that amazing. That something could be wiped out and then come back - that's kind of hopeful and inspiring, isn't it?
To further highlight Poland's complicated history - Independence Day was constituted in 1937 and was celebrated only twice before World War II. So they barely got to party when WWII landed on them.
It should also be noted that Poland has another national holiday (a bigger one, I think) - May 3 is Constitution Day, which celebrates the declaration of the Constitution of May 3, 1791. This became a holiday in 1919, then became not-a-holiday during Communism, and was reinstated when Communism fell.
The Constitution of May 3, 1791 is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of Poland, despite being in effect for only a year, until the Russo-Polish War of 1792. Historian Norman Davies calls it "the first constitution of its type in Europe"; other scholars also refer to it as the world's second oldest constitution. In Poland it is viewed as a national symbol, and the culmination of all that was good and enlightened in Polish history and culture.
Poland's history is sad like that - develop a fabulous constitution, then have your nation wiped off the map, then come back from nowhere and then immediately get oppressed by Communism.
I hope things go better for them in the future!
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| Parade, May 3 2013 - Wroclaw, Poland |
It is said that November is the more significant holiday (better riots), but May 3 might seem more celebratory, because its ... not November.