Pepkowka (I will be a father in a few month)

Benz 1 | 5

7 Mar 2011 / #1

I am so lucky that I will become a father in a few months, and of course I would like to honor the nice Polish tradition of throwing a pępkówka.

Having only attended one so far, I am not fully aware of the do's and dont's in this kind of celebration. Of course I will provide the alcohol, make a toast for my newborn, and serve some snacks - but I would like to know a little bit more about what is expected by the host.

When would be the best timing for this celebration - say my baby arrives at 5 in the afternoon; do I throw the party the same evening or wait until the day after?

Thanks for your answers!

Polonius3 980 | 12276

7 Mar 2011 / #2

From my observation, the only really structured occasions amongst Poles are Wigilia and (to a lesser extent) Święcone (Easter morning brunch). Wedding receptions, christening parties and funeral dinners also nearly always take place on the day of the ceremony. But most of the others — namedays, birthdays, anniversaries as well as one-off occasions marking someone's birth, graduation, etc. — are arranged according to personal preference. Some people now transfer birthday and nameday parties to the nearest Saturday, whilst others hold them on the day itself.

If you plan a large pęoówka party not only for your nearest of kin, then a several-day notice might be preferable. If it is only for a small, intimate circle, then it could be the same or following day.

pgtx 29 | 3094

8 Mar 2011 / #3

do I throw the party the same evening or wait until the day after?

it can be the same day or a day after...
don't get too drunk... usually only men attend this celebration; do you plan otherwise?

„Dziecko nie opite – dziecko chorowite”

I am so lucky that I will become a father in a few months

congratulations!

:)

Marynka11 3 | 639

8 Mar 2011 / #4

I know nothing about the pępkówka.

But congratulations and speedy delivery for the mommy.

OP Benz 1 | 5

8 Mar 2011 / #5

congratulations!

But congratulations

Thank you!

usually only men attend this celebration; do you plan otherwise?

It will be a "men only" event.

„Dziecko nie opite – dziecko chorowite”

Small translation of this saying, please?

skysoulmate 13 | 1250

8 Mar 2011 / #6

I am so lucky that I will become a father in a few months, and of course I would like to honor the nice Polish tradition of throwing a pępkówka.

Congrats!!

I have to ask though about the word pępkówka? Doesn't that mean belly button? So is it about your wife's, gifriend's, etc. growing belly button? Confused...

Either way, have a blast!

OP Benz 1 | 5

8 Mar 2011 / #7

I have to ask though about the word pępkówka? Doesn't that mean belly button? So is it about your wife's, gifriend's, etc. growing belly button?

I think it means the baby's belly button, as it is a celebration of the birth.

pgtx 29 | 3094

8 Mar 2011 / #8

Small translation of this saying, please?

more or less, if you don't drink to the baby, it won't be healthy... so you have to sacrifice your liver to your baby...

;)