Day-to-day Polish Customs

Hello,

I am a Polish-American whose family has been living in America for a few generations now. I am a military officer and am currently going through pilot training. I was selected to go to a NATO combat pilot training program (where I am now) that we (the US) host. This program has many privileges training and career wise, but also in that I am training with officers from some of our European allies.

Training and socializing with them was made me aware of some of each of their day-to-day customs that are unique to their home country (examples: differents toasts, the italians greeting with a kiss on each cheek, etc). This has made me curious as to what customs my Polish background might contain.

I tried looking online and mostly found information on holiday traditions.....

Whatcha got for me???

Thx!!!!

Vodka...

and to be extra polite... shot glasses

Haha, vodka, of course.

Is Belvedere popular in Poland?

It sure is good.

Yeah G...weres your manners.......suppose its just pass the bottle around at your place, use your cardigan sleeve to wipe the top of it...I despair!!

To be honest. It's for tourists.

Oh, have we been fully adopted W?...official...got a stamp from Mr Tusk yet?

Remind me of your origins..........?...:)...:)

What would be a native Polish drinker have for a drink of choice, then?

And besides the beloved Vodka.....what else? I'd sure think that my ethnic background contains more than just alcohol. Not that I'm not a fan ;)

Go to the vodka thread for ideas. Yes, I am serious.

Don't go kissing men. unless you're particularly close friends of course.

Be extra polite to women.
When invited by someone to their home, on a first visit it's nice to bring a fresh cut flower or two for the lady of the house. Depending on the degree of intimacy with your hosts (I don't mean anything explicit here) it's OK to bring a token bottle of something for the man.

Good manners and etiquette.

You open the door and you are the last one through it.

Thanks.... And don't worry, kissing dudes isn't my thing

That is very sweet :)

True...

Soo to sum up the replies so far.....vodka, flowers, and vodka? Haha

dont shake hands across a doorway

dont take a light from a candle

No.......... Good manners. Polish people have a particular way of making you welcome and looking after you. This is one of the things visitors to Poland remember.

or kiss hello/goodbye. across a doorway that is.

Yep, I've come across this one. I found it quite unusual as its usually when people are leaving the house you would give them a kiss.

LOL. This was really FUNNY and really true. My boyfriend's roommate used to kiss my hand. It's really sweet!!! Polish guys are very romantic and very drunk.

Haha, Latina. I know I drink my fair share, when appropriate..you'd have to ask my GF about the other one tho :P