Andrzejki — what is this holiday and how is it celebrated?

Although today we associate them mainly with fun, their history dates back centuries, when it was believed that on this night it was possible to discover the secrets of fate. For some, Andrzejka is an opportunity to celebrate together, for others — a moment of reflection and a symbolic farewell to autumn. Regardless of the way of celebration, this holiday combines ancient mysticism, folk rituality and the joy of meeting among friends History of Andrzejek — where did this tradition come from?

The tradition of celebrating Andrzejek dates back to the Middle Ages. The name of the holiday comes from Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose memory falls on November 30. In ancient beliefs, the night preceding this holiday was considered a time when the line between the real and spiritual worlds is blurring — and people can know their future.

Initially, Andrew's girls were only bachelorette — it was the girls who tried to read the signs of fate in order to find out when and whom they would marry. Over time, the custom developed into folk fun, in which everyone — young and old, women and men participated.

To this day, many traditional divinations have survived, which still appear during Andrew's meetings and events:

• spanking wax through the key and reading shapes,
• throwing a shoe in the direction of the door (symbol of quick marriage),
• drawing the names of future sympathies,
• observing the flame of a candle — if it trembles, it heralds a new love or change in life.

These ancient rituals, although today treated with a grain of salt, retain their unique atmosphere and are an integral part of the November holiday.

Andrew's traditions and divination — magic that has survived the centuries

Modern Andrzejki is a combination of old beliefs with good fun. Fortune-telling is invariably reigning, which - although today they play an entertaining role - still attract attention and arouse emotions.

The most popular Andrew customs are:

• divination with sticky notes — the names of future chooses hidden under a pillow or plate,
• fortune-telling from apple peelings — the shape of the letter that the peel will form when thrown behind itself was supposed to indicate the first letter of the name of a loved one,
• drawing symbols — key, heart, wedding ring, coin — each sign had a specific meaning,
• reading shadows — interpretation of the shadow cast by wax on the wall.

Andrzejki is also a great opportunity to celebrate together — dances, laughter and relaxation. This evening is the last moment of fun before the Advent period, which adds a special character to it.

How are Andrzejs celebrated today?

Today, Andrzejki is a celebration that integrates people — both in homes, schools, hotels or restaurants. Increasingly, they take the form of elegant parties or themed parties in which tradition and modernity are combined.

Andrew's evenings are organized in an atmosphere of magic and mystery — with dim light, candles and music. Often there are elements of ancient divination, led by animators or artists.

During modern Andrzejki, the following reigns:

• ballroom outfits and atmospheric music,
• thematic decorations in retro or magical style,
• omens prepared in the form of fun,
• joint dinners and wine tastings.

This is a holiday that allows you to break away from everyday life, meet with friends and plunge into the atmosphere of tradition given in a modern form.

Andrzejki at the Unitral Hotel in Mielno — elegance, magic and seaside atmosphere

For years, the Unitral Hotel in Mielno has been creating unique spaces for guests who value comfort, relaxation and exceptional events. Andrew's evening at the hotel is a combination of tradition and seaside elegance — the perfect solution for those who want to experience this holiday in a unique way.

The hotel's atmospheric restaurant hosts unique Andrew's games — with live music, a delicious menu and symbolic omens that put guests in a magical mood. For those looking for complete relaxation, Andrzejki & Spa offers, combining evening fun with rest in the wellness zone - a brine pool, jacuzzi and aromatic saunas promote regeneration after a dance night.

This is an excellent option for couples, groups of friends or companies who want to combine integration with an atmosphere of seaside tranquility.

Symbolism and meaning of Andrzejek — not just fun

Although modern Andrzejki are entertaining in nature, their original symbolism was much deeper. The night of 29 to 30 November was considered a time of breakthrough — the moment when the agrarian year ended and people were preparing for winter. It was then that they looked to the future with hope, asking about fate and prosperity.

Thus, the Andrzeika symbolizes:

• hope for happiness and success,
• the change and closure of a certain stage of the year,
• the joy of community, that is, being together in spite of coldness and darkness
• Reflecting on what the future holds.

Today, this magic can still be felt — not in superstition, but in the atmosphere of joy and openness that accompanies the celebration together.

Summary — Andrzejka as a symbol of common celebration

Andrew's Day is one of those holidays that unite generations. It is a time full of smiles, music and omens, which — even if with a grain of salt — allow you to forget about everyday life for a moment. Whether we celebrate them at home or during a unique stay at the Unitral Hotel in Mielno, they always remain a celebration of joy and being together.

Book your Andrzej weekend at Hotel Unitral today and find that the magic of tradition combined with luxury and seaside vibe creates unforgettable memories.

Unknown curiosities about Andrzejki:

1. In the old days, men celebrated their divination a few days earlier — in the so-called Catherine's Day, falling on November 24.
2. In some regions of Poland, girls believed that the future husband would appear in a dream on Andrew's night.
3. Andrew's divination was banned by the Church in the 17th century, but it has survived as an element of folk tradition.
4. Modern Andrew's events gained popularity in the period of the People's Republic — then tradition was combined with dance fun.
5. Formerly, it was believed that if the dog barked during divination, it indicated from which side the future spouse would come!