Every May 3rd, Poles around the world celebrate one of their nation’s greatest achievements: the Constitution of May 3, 1791—Europe’s first modern constitution and the world’s second, after the United States Constitution. This remarkable document represented the pinnacle of Polish Enlightenment thought and democratic ideals, making Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja) a celebration not just of a historical document, but of Poland’s enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, and progressive values.
A Revolutionary Document for Its Time
The Constitution of May 3, 1791, was adopted by Poland’s parliament (sejm) in Warsaw during a period of intense reform and national revival. To understand its significance, we must first understand the context in which it was created.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in Crisis
By the mid-18th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth—once one of Europe’s largest and most powerful states—was in decline. Its unique political system, which had given nobility unprecedented freedoms, had become dysfunctional. The liberum veto (allowing any single nobleman to dissolve parliament and nullify all its legislation) had paralyzed the government. Neighboring powers—Russia, Prussia, and Austria—exploited this weakness, interfering in Polish affairs and eventually partitioning Polish territory in 1772.
The Great Sejm and Reform Movement
The loss of territory in the First Partition shocked Polish society into action. In 1788, a reformist parliament known as the Great Sejm (Sejm Wielki) or Four-Year Sejm convened with the mission of modernizing and strengthening the Polish state. Influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and inspired by recent democratic revolutions in America and France, Polish reformers worked on a comprehensive constitutional overhaul.
On May 3, 1791, in a dramatic parliamentary session, the new constitution was adopted. The date was chosen strategically—a Thursday between two holidays when opposition deputies were absent. King Stanisław August Poniatowski and the reformers seized the moment, and the constitution passed with tremendous public support.
Key Provisions and Democratic Principles
The Constitution of May 3, 1791, was revolutionary in scope and vision. Its key provisions included:
Separation of Powers
Drawing on Montesquieu’s political philosophy, the constitution established a clear separation between legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government—a radical concept in 18th-century Europe, where absolute monarchy still dominated.
Constitutional Monarchy
The constitution transformed Poland from an elective monarchy with noble democracy into a constitutional monarchy with a hereditary throne, providing governmental stability while limiting royal power through checks and balances.
Protection of Townspeople
In a groundbreaking move, the constitution granted political rights to the bourgeoisie (townspeople), introducing political equality between urban citizens and nobility. This expanded participation in governance beyond the noble class for the first time.
Government Protection of Peasants
While stopping short of abolishing serfdom, the constitution placed peasants under government protection, explicitly prohibiting the worst abuses and laying groundwork for future emancipation. This was remarkably progressive for its era.
Religious Tolerance
The constitution maintained Poland’s tradition of religious tolerance, protecting the Catholic faith as dominant while guaranteeing freedom of worship to other denominations—unusual in an age of religious conflicts.
Sovereignty of the People
The constitution declared that “all power in civil society should be derived from the will of the people,” a revolutionary democratic principle that echoed the American Revolution and preceded the French Declaration of the Rights of Man.
International Recognition and Praise
The Constitution of May 3 garnered immediate international attention. It was quickly translated into French, German, and English, spreading Enlightenment ideals across Europe.
Edmund Burke, the British political philosopher, called it “the noblest benefit received by any nation at any time.” He praised Poland’s achievement even as he criticized the French Revolution’s excesses.
American founding fathers, including George Washington, expressed admiration for Poland’s constitutional reforms. Thomas Paine lauded Poland’s progressive thinking and democratic spirit.
Even in France, despite revolutionary turmoil, the Polish constitution was celebrated as a triumph of Enlightenment values.
A Tragic and Brief Triumph
Tragically, the Constitution of May 3 lasted only 14 months. Its progressive reforms threatened the interests of Poland’s powerful neighbors, particularly Russia’s Catherine the Great, who viewed a strong, reformed Poland as a threat to Russian influence.
In 1792, Russian forces invaded Poland in the War in Defense of the Constitution. Despite valiant resistance, Poland’s army was defeated. The constitution was abolished, and Poland suffered further partitions in 1793 and 1795, disappearing from the map of Europe for 123 years.
However, the constitution’s legacy endured. Throughout Poland’s period of partition, the memory of May 3, 1791, kept alive Polish aspirations for independence and democratic governance.
Constitution Day as a National Holiday
Constitution Day has a complex history as a Polish holiday, reflecting Poland’s turbulent past:
- 1791-1792: Celebrated as the anniversary of constitutional reforms
- After 1795: Commemorated underground during partitions as a symbol of Polish sovereignty
- 1919-1939: Official national holiday in independent Poland
- 1939-1945: Banned under Nazi German occupation
- 1945-1989: Suppressed under communist rule, when authorities feared its democratic message
- 1990-present: Restored as an official Polish national holiday
Throughout periods when official celebrations were banned, Poles continued to honor May 3 clandestinely, making it an act of resistance and patriotism.
How Constitution Day is Celebrated in Poland
Today, May 3 is one of Poland’s most important national holidays, marked by both official ceremonies and popular celebrations:
Official Observances
The President of Poland leads formal ceremonies in Warsaw, including wreath-laying, military parades, and speeches emphasizing democratic values and constitutional governance. Polish flags fly throughout the country.
Public Celebrations
Cities and towns host parades, concerts, historical reenactments, and cultural programs. Many feature costumed participants representing 18th-century nobility and reformers.
Educational Programs
Schools organize special lessons about the constitution’s significance, often including theatrical performances and student presentations on democratic principles.
Church Services
Special Masses of thanksgiving (Te Deum) are held in churches nationwide, reflecting the holiday’s historical religious dimension.
Celebrating Constitution Day in the Bay Area
Polish Americans in the Bay Area can honor this important holiday in meaningful ways:
Attend Polish Community Events
Contact local Polish organizations, parishes, and cultural centers for Constitution Day programs. These often include lectures on Polish history, musical performances, and social gatherings. The Polish American Congress typically organizes commemorative events.
Host an Educational Gathering
Organize a Constitution Day dinner party with friends and family where you discuss the constitution’s historical significance and its democratic principles. This is especially valuable for educating younger generations about Polish heritage and democratic values.
Prepare Traditional Polish Dishes
Celebrate with a Polish feast featuring dishes like traditional pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), Polish sausages, and soups from our traditional Polish soups guide. Shop for authentic ingredients at Polish groceries in the Bay Area.
Display Polish Symbols
Fly the Polish flag and decorate your home in white and red, Poland’s national colors. Share photos on social media with #PolishConstitutionDay to connect with the global Polish community.
Share Polish Culture
Use Constitution Day as an opportunity to share Polish culture with non-Polish friends and neighbors. Explain the significance of Poland’s democratic traditions and how they parallel American constitutional values.
Virtual Connections
Connect with family in Poland via video calls to share in the celebrations. Watch coverage of Warsaw’s official ceremonies together to create a shared experience across continents.
Constitution Day and Other Polish Holidays
Constitution Day is one of two major patriotic holidays in the Polish calendar, alongside Polish Independence Day (November 11). While Independence Day celebrates sovereignty regained in 1918, Constitution Day honors the democratic ideals and progressive reforms that defined Polish political culture.
Unlike festive occasions such as Polish Easter traditions, traditional Polish Christmas, or Fat Thursday pączki celebrations, Constitution Day carries a more solemn, reflective tone focused on civic values and national achievement.
The Constitution’s Modern Relevance
The Constitution of May 3, 1791, remains remarkably relevant today. Its emphasis on separation of powers, protection of minority rights, and democratic participation resonates in contemporary political discourse. For Polish Americans, it represents a proud heritage of democratic thinking that predates many other European nations’ constitutional traditions.
The constitution also reminds us that democracy requires constant vigilance and courage. The Polish reformers who crafted it knew they were risking everything—and indeed, their worst fears came true when neighboring powers crushed their democratic experiment. Yet they proceeded anyway, driven by principle and hope for a better future.
Teaching Constitutional Values to the Next Generation
Constitution Day offers an excellent opportunity to discuss civic values with children and young adults in our community. The story of Poland’s constitution teaches important lessons:
- Democracy must be actively defended and maintained
- Progressive reforms often face powerful opposition
- Ideas and principles can outlive political defeat
- Constitutional governance protects individual rights and limits tyranny
- National independence and democratic self-governance are precious gifts
These lessons resonate particularly with immigrant families who understand firsthand the value of living in a free, democratic society.
Strengthening Polish-American Identity
Celebrating Constitution Day reinforces Polish-American identity by connecting us to our heritage’s most noble aspects. It reminds us that being Polish means more than traditional foods, folk costumes, or cultural customs—it also means carrying forward a legacy of democratic ideals, Enlightenment values, and the courage to fight for freedom.
Conclusion
The Constitution of May 3, 1791, stands as a testament to Polish wisdom, courage, and progressive thinking. Though it lasted barely more than a year before being crushed by foreign powers, its principles survived to inspire generations of Poles in their struggle for independence and democracy.
For Polish Americans in the Bay Area, Constitution Day offers a chance to celebrate this remarkable achievement, honor our ancestors’ democratic vision, and reflect on the values that unite Polish and American political traditions. Both nations share a commitment to constitutional governance, separation of powers, and protection of individual liberties.
This May 3rd, let’s commemorate Poland’s greatest democratic achievement with pride and pass on its lessons to future generations. Whether through community gatherings, family celebrations, or quiet reflection, we honor those 18th-century reformers who dared to dream of a free, democratic Poland.
Niech żyje Konstytucja 3 Maja! (Long live the May 3rd Constitution!)
References
- Constitution of 3 May 1791 - Wikipedia
- 3 May Constitution Day - Wikipedia
- Polish History Museum, Warsaw
- European Heritage Label: The May 3, 1791 Constitution, Warsaw, Poland
Tagged polish-traditions, holidays, celebrations, constitution-day, polish-history, democracy