Andrzejki, celebrated on St. Andrew’s Eve (November 29th), marks a beloved transitional celebration in the Polish calendar between autumn and winter. Named after Saint Andrew, the apostle traditionally associated with Scotland and Romania, this Polish tradition paradoxically has deep roots in Polish customs despite its saint’s international heritage. Historically, Andrzejki served as a significant marker in the agricultural calendar and the church year, signaling the approach of Advent and the Christmas season. The celebration has survived centuries of Polish history, remaining a cherished moment for families and communities to gather and prepare spiritually for winter.
The most distinctive feature of Andrzejki is the tradition of fortune-telling and divination games called “wróżby,” which predict romantic futures and life events for young women. Traditional games include melting lead or wax in water to form shapes interpreted as omens, interpreting images in candlelight, and drawing lots with hidden meanings. These playful yet meaningful rituals create atmosphere and excitement, blending superstition with entertainment. Beyond fortune-telling, Andrzejki celebrations include festive gatherings, music, dancing, and special foods, with communities organized around friendship and anticipation.
In the Bay Area Polish community, Andrzejki remains a cherished cultural moment when churches and community centers host traditional celebrations. These gatherings preserve wróżby traditions while creating spaces for Polish Americans to embrace their cultural heritage. For younger generations, Andrzejki offers meaningful connection to Polish customs while building community bonds. The celebration exemplifies how Polish traditions persist across generations and geography, maintaining their capacity to bring communities together and mark life’s important transitions with joy, mystery, and cultural identity.