At the Senior Home in Bolesławiec, Thursday, February 12, was truly cheerful. Laughter, conversations and good spirits could be heard. Of course, no one could do without pączki—fluffy, golden pastries filled with marmalade and topped with icing. They smelled so delicious that it was hard to resist them!
Eating together, joking and talking made everyone feel exceptionally good. It was a very pleasant, sweet day that will remain in the memory of Bolesławiec seniors for a long time.
Where did Fat Thursday come from?
Fat Thursday has a long history, reaching back to both pagan and Christian traditions. It is the day of farewell to carnival and the last opportunity to eat generously before the period of fasting.
As early as ancient times, people celebrated the end of winter and the arrival of spring by feasting and eating rich foods. In ancient Rome, lavish banquets were held during which people ate large amounts of meat and fatty dishes—it was a way to celebrate abundance and prosperity.
In the Christian tradition, Fat Thursday emerged as the day beginning the final week of carnival, just before Lent. Since fasting imposed restrictions on eating, people tried to eat their fill beforehand, using up supplies of fat, eggs and sugar.
Why did pączki become the symbol?
Pączki were not always sweet. In the past, they were made from bread dough and filled with pork fat or meat. Only over time did people begin adding sweet fillings such as honey or preserves, and pączki became a dessert.
Their round shape symbolized the sun and good fortune, while the rich dough was meant to ensure happiness and prosperity throughout the year. People even believed that anyone who failed to eat at least one pączek on Fat Thursday would have bad luck.
Today, Fat Thursday is above all a joyful celebration of sweets, tradition and spending time together—a day that brings people together around the table and reminds them of old customs.