![]() In the Polish language this herb is still called “dziewanna” - exactly like the goddess. Verbascum was one of the most sacred herbs in the Slavic traditions, still important in rural rituals and medicine, and might have been dedicated to the old-Slavic goddess Dziewanna / Devana. ![]() Polish people believed that the honey aroma of the natural beeswax has a strong healing effect - strengthening the soul and immunizing the body, protecting people. In the past the 'thunder candles’ used to be made of natural beeswax only, with a wick made of fibers of verbascum. A small part of the gromnica was very often buried also under foundations or tresholds of a newly built house in order to ensure its safety. People believed also that the 'thunder candles’ were a protection from an attack of wolves - a small part of the candle was often buried in the middle of a crop field in order to keep the whole property safe. An ancient custom of lightning the gromnice and placing them on windowsills as a protection of the house during storms is still practiced in Poland, especially by elderly people. They are for example commonly believed to ward off the lightnings during storms (that’s in fact where their name came from) and protect from a destructive wildfire. The 'thunder candles’ have also much older pagan meaning. ![]() The candle is brought to churches for the Candlemas Day in order to be re-blessed each year (recharged, we might say). It is said that the gromnica ‘dies’ with its owner. The gromnica is very often a 'personal’ candle: first gifted for someone’s birth or a Christening ceremony, protecting them throughtout the lifetime, and being lit up for the last time during the funeral (details of the custom depend on the region of Poland). They are also lit up by a deathbed during a vigil (czuwanie). Ladies dressed in traditional costumes from Opoczno (town in central Poland) heading to the holy mass with their gromnice Įach Christian household in Poland has at least one of the 'thunder candles’ and they are always lit up for the most important ceremonies such as Christening, First Communion, Confirmation or Anointing. ( long article with pictures under the cut!)Įxample of a gromnica prepared for the Candlemas Day It’s believed that gromnica symbolizes the light of life. They are long and relatively thick candles, often decorated with inscriptions. In many Polish folk beliefs gromnica is compared to a human, and its wick to a soul. Name of these candles is derived from the word grom (thunder) and they could be named 'thunder candles’ in English. Important and symbolic accessories on that day are the so-called gromnice (singular form: gromnica), sacred candles believed to ensure a general protection. That day has a distinctive name in Poland, connected to ancient Slavic beliefs and rituals: Święto Matki Boskiej Gromnicznej, what could be translated literally as a Festivity of the Holy Mother of the Thunder Candle. That day is also officially the last day of a ‘Christmas season’ in Poland and the last occasion to sing the traditional carols together - also the day when all the remaining Christmas decorations should be removed (yes, in Poland the Christmas trees are very often kept in houses even until February). The Candlemas Day is celebrated on February 2nd, and marks the end of carnival (’zapusty’ in Polish). Images © Ethnographic Museum of the Radom Region, Poland. The New York Jets are playing the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.Rural celebrations of the Candlemas Day in Poland, with remnants of old-Slavic protctive rituals involving the so-called ‘thunder candle’ ( gromnica). The New York Giants are playing the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium at 4:25 p.m. The two New York City teams will also wear special NYPD, FDNY, and Port Authority Department hats. Coaches and sideline personnel wore 9/11 label pins, which were also provided to broadcast announcers and league employees. ZFqbmLIppG- NFL September 12, 2021Īside from the special tribute video, the NFL marked the somber anniversary with special 9/11 ribbon helmet decals. We remember those we lost and how we came together the day after the attacks, paving the way for healing and growth, followed by a special performance of our country’s National Anthem. The tragic events of September 11th, 2001 devastated our country 20 years ago. The organization was established to help individuals and families who have lost loved ones to mass violence, terrorism, or military service since Sept. Candela is a music therapist, selected by Tuesday's Children. She performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. ![]() Candela's father died at the World Trade Center.
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