Every year, thousands of children and their families wait for their First Holy Communion. Although the most important issue here is the reception of the sacrament, which is nothing scandalous, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this event. And this is due to the entire setting. Even before we reach the church, we may be exposed to comments. Visits to hairdressers and beauticians are nothing new among first-communists, sophisticated clothes are made by tailors, and a paid photographer. Access to the church by rented limousine…
The ceremony itself was always held with pomp. White clothes, flowers, thanks to priests and catechists for preparing to receive the sacrament. Then the First Communists and their families leave the church and go to celebrate in a smaller group. And here the scandals continue. Sumptuous dinners in restaurants, walls with balloons for taking photos, impressive cakes, competitions in animations for children. And gifts that keep many guests awake long before this important day. How much to give in an envelope? Will a phone or laptop be enough? Isn’t it a shame to give only a medallion and an envelope? What did it look like in the times of the Polish People’s Republic? Was it more modest? Or maybe – for those times – also with pomp?
What did communions look like in the Polish People’s Republic? “Practically everyone went”
More and more often we hear that some children do not receive their first Holy Communion, even if they come from a Catholic family. It sometimes happens that parents decide to attend a humanistic communion to give their children a taste of the event in which their friends participate. There used to be no discussion, at least not on such a scale.
Religious classes, even though they took place in churches and not schools, covered easily 99%. kids. That’s why practically everyone went to communion. It was a great event
– said my interlocutor Irena, who experienced her communion in the 1970s.
What did communions look like in the Polish People’s Republic? ‘Practically everyone went’ photo: editorial materials
Communion outfits include dresses and suits, rather modest. They were often short, sewn by mothers and seamstresses according to one pattern. Some had albs. Wreaths of artificial or fresh flowers on girls’ heads were also popular, just like today
– Irena compared.
However, there were also more daring creations. Some mothers or seamstresses created real works of art from the materials they managed to get their hands on. They often resembled miniature wedding dresses. It also happened that before their first communion, children received parcels from a family abroad, containing clothes and accessories. However, visits to beauticians or hairdressers were out of the question – unless someone in the family was involved in them.
What did communions look like in the Polish People’s Republic? ‘Practically everyone went’ photo: editorial materials
First Communions in the times of the Polish People’s Republic: “Dinner prepared by mothers. Alcohol on the tables”
The ceremony itself was not much different from what we see today. Apart from “cosmetic” differences or elements related to local tradition, few people would be surprised by what took place in the church in the Polish People’s Republic. However, what happened next is rather different from today’s standards.
The receptions were rather modest, only for the immediate family. After all, they were organized at home, and the number of places there was limited. Dinner was prepared by the mothers. Alcohol is a must on the tables. Back then people drank on every holiday – not like now
– my interlocutor revealed.
What about gifts? Choosing the right one is a real nightmare for many people. Especially if we are talking about godparents, who traditionally dig a little deeper into their pockets. Today there are the latest phones, laptops, quads, electric scooters, and trips abroad. Once?
The most popular gift was a Flaming or Wigry folding bike. Then a watch, gold or silver medallions. And there was money, but the children didn’t see it because their parents usually took it. Probably as a refund for the party costs
– Irena laughed.
I remember I got a watch, a few chocolate boxes and a lot of Donald gum. And of course, the folding bike was called Karat
– said Gosia, quoted in our previous article related to First Communion gifts. If you want to reminisce a little more about what “those days were like”, . You will find there a whole lot of ideas for a First Communion gift – although they are rather outdated.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
