We all come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and this diversity is what makes the United States such a fantastic place. It is wonderfully unique that we have the opportunity to experience so many different cultures, but it is also important that we embrace our own heritage and appreciate everything about our cultural roots. Personally, I am Polish, and I would not want to be anything else. Yes, I love enjoying pasta, St. Patrick's Day or a good gyro, but there is something about taking time to appreciate your own heritage that is unlike anything else.
Every culture has its unique traditions, and it can be great to simply reminisce about some of the things you do (or eat) that are unlike any other heritage. I can think of fantastic memories that are filled with my dad cooking pots and pots of dumplings, the smell wafting my way as my grandpa was grilling kielbasa, and the inevitable tray of kolacky cookies at Christmas Eve. We often forget that some of the foods we eat aren't universally known, and it is exciting when we get to explain some of our favorite family recipes. I always love explaining how my mom cooks fantastic chicken paprikas, which is always requested for any occasion. Foods make up a huge part of our heritage and can never hurt to take a few minutes to appreciate these tasty traditions!
In addition to foods, every heritage has quirky and fun traditions and holidays. For instance, Fat Tuesday, or Paczki Day as us Polaks call it, is one of the best days of the year. The day before Lent begins, what better way to prepare than by gorging yourself with the fattiest and most deliciously unhealthy donut-like pastries in the world? I also can't forget to mention Dyngus Day, which is one of the lesser known Polish holidays with the quirkiest traditions. Dyngus Day is the day after Easter every year, and is a celebration of the joy of Easter. The traditions include boys drenching girls with squirt bottles, girls throwing dishes and pussy willow branches at the boys, and always a great deal of kielbasa and pierogis. Ethnic holidays are the greatest, and it is a great idea to always reminisce and appreciate these unique aspects of our heritage.
It is absolutely critical that we appreciate our culture for everything that it is. We must embrace the fun and often strange traditions that were passed down to us from our ancestors. I will never stop listening to polka music or lessen my Polish pride. I encourage everyone to embrace their own individual cultures, and if you do not already, celebrate these traditions and cultural quirks as much as you can.
