Poland

In parts of Poland, young women scattered patterns of white sand outside the house when a suitor was expected.

Earthen floors, yards and paths were decorated the same way before Easter and other festivals. Women sprinkled fine, dry sand by hand, building up spirals, flowers and trees of life. The sand was carefully sieved and could be mixed with lime to stand out against the dark ground.

Then people walked on the patterns, until they were gone.

When wooden floors arrived, the custom almost disappeared. But in a few places creating sand patterns lives on, and families and cultural groups still create them for special occasions.