The word “mazur” or “mazurka” has multiple meanings in Polish language. A person who lives in north-central Poland is called “Mazur.”

A subspecies of sparrow that prefers country living, as opposed to city living, is also called mazurka. Finally, we dance mazurka, or at least listen to it. The melody of mazurka is even mentioned in our national poem ”Thaddeus” by Adam Mickiewicz, where Thaddeus (in a superb translation of Lech Papiez)

“With child’s delight string he tears and Dabrowski’s mazurek hears”

However, at Easter time when we say “mazurka” we think “Easter pastry.” This name is used to describe a pie filled with dried fruit, preserves or almond paste.