Carnival is a special time of the year – it is a time of celebration, full of dances, fun, masquerades and parades. It is worth spending this time cheerfully, but in accordance with old superstitions and beliefs. According to our ancestors, in this way we can avoid it and ensure success and abundance for the whole year.
Certain actions can help us with this. What should we do during Carnival and Shrove Tuesday to be better? ?
Carnival holds an important place in the calendar. This is a period that usually begins on Epiphany, i.e. on January 6. It lasts until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins Lent and the wait for Easter.
In Poland, Shrovetide, or Shrove Tuesday, has always been the most loudly celebrated. These are the last days of Carnival, starting on Fat Thursday. It is a movable holiday that falls on February 12 in 2026. On Fat Thursday, you should eat at least one donut to ensure your happiness. Of course, it is best to consume more of them so that prosperity and abundance accompany us throughout the year.
Fat Thursday is a special day. It is not worth following a diet then, because, according to old superstitions, denying yourself donuts will only make the rest of the year “lean”.
Moreover, the person frying the donuts should be in a good mood and the house should be quiet so that the dough does not fall. Evenly grown buds herald peace and joy, while burst buds herald changes. The exception are donuts with a hole, which in some regions of the country meant happiness and health.
Carnival is a time of dancing and fun. So it’s worth dancing during this time – preferably loudly. It was once believed that the higher women jumped in the dance, the greater the harvest. During carnival, people were also supposed to eat plenty of food. Not only donuts, but also meat and pancakes were supposed to ensure happiness and prosperity in the future.
Carnival is also a great time to organize a costume party. Dressing up as a character or animal was supposed to ward off evil and misfortune. During such an event, herring must be on the table. Shrovetide was sometimes even called “herring”. However, you should be careful whether there are any bones in the fish. If you found one, it could mean misfortune and pain. However, if you bury it far from home, you will avoid trouble and ward off bad luck.
