My earliest memory of this significant date in the Polish calendar involves standing alongside classmates, waving paper Polish flags and singing “Witaj Maj, trzeci maj, dla Polaków błogi raj!” – “Welcome May, the 3rd of May, a blissful paradise for all Poles”.

We performed this song each year at our Polish school akademie—community events featuring dance, music, poetry and speeches for our parents and important members of our Polish community. In some ways, these lively gatherings echoed, albeit on a smaller scale, the atmosphere said to have filled the Polish Sejm (parliament) on that historic day of 3 May 1791 when the Constitution was first declared with heartfelt celebration. It ended with a procession via cheering crowds to the Church of St. John in Warsaw, for an oath-taking ceremony and a jubilant „Te Deum Laudamus”.

Of course, as children, we often introduced our own sense of mischief—subtly altering lyrics or enthusiastically emphasising the opening “Witaj,” all whilst maintaining a breezy air of innocence.

A constitution born of democracy? 

It wasn’t quite the first constitution in the world. That was the American Constitution of September 17, 1787, following their successful war of independence against the British.  Two years later the French produced their first, short-lived written constitution in July 1791 following their Revolution of 1789.

Just two months prior to the French document, the Polish–Lithuanian Constitution of 3 May 1791 was proclaimed by the Great Sejm (parliament), becoming the first modern written constitution in Europe. Although it remained in force only briefly, it represented a significant effort at enlightened reform. Also it wasn’t a product of war or revolution. In contrast to its neighbours in many ways the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth already exhibited distinctive political features. An elected monarchy and a functioning parliament—the Sejm—with established legal authority. The constitution can therefore be understood as an evolution of these institutions.

The Great Sejm

The Great Sejm (parliament) was made up of nobles who had travelled from far and wide to consider matters of state. It had been sitting since 1788 and continued until 1792. A key aim was to restore sovereignty to the Commonwealth and reform it politically and economically. The bill was finally prepared by King Stanisław August Poniatowski on the basis of its authors, the enlightened nobles Ignacy Potocki and Hugo Kołłątaj. It was overwhelmingly adopted, to the enthusiasm of the crowds outside. 

What did the constitution change?

Given the powers of the nobility who had excessive freedoms, many changes were introduced to balance out power more evenly. The magnates had ruled much of the state, often rebelling against the elected King. It was certainly ambitious and although this is my interpretation, it’s worth the summary just to admire its intentions:

• 1. Freedom to all faiths
• 2. Confirmed the rights of the nobility, though limiting titles to those who had land
• 3. Agreed powers of towns, allowing them some representation in parliament
• 4.  Peasants were given the protection of law and government
• 5. Power was to be split three ways – parliament, the King and the legal system
• 6.  „Liberum Veto” was abolished forever – a destructive rule according to which any one nobleman could put a veto on a joint decision
• 7. Reintroduction of a hereditary monarchy (following many years of elected monarchs)
• 8. Established an independent Tribune, protecting people’s rights
• 9. Establishment of a Regency in case of the King being unable to rule
• 10. The King’s children to be well educated for the good of the nation
• 11. National army set up to defend independence.

Short-lived but revived

Unfortunately it was short lived. The Constitution of May 3rd provoked the final crisis.  Poland’s neighbours took offence and began to partition the country. By 1795 they had removed the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from the map. After the First World War, in 1921, when Poland finally regained its independence, the constitution was reworked, declaring Poland a republic with a President as its head of state – the II Republic. This ended the recognition of privileges for the nobility, including titles. Ser as a national day, in reality it was only celebrated  a few times much later, running up to the Second World War.

This first constitution is still seen as a great symbol of our struggle for liberty, justice, and honour. It has given Poles a reason to sacrifice everything in Poland’s defence, even in situations in which victory seemed impossible.

Finally celebrated

Since 1990, with a new constitution in 1997 and now the III Republic, the day is again a national holiday with military parades, ceremonies and concerts. Many people now choose to go away for the “Majówka” which incorporates 1 May – Dzień Pracy (Workers’ Day), 2 May – Dzień Flagi (Flag Day) and 3 May (National Constitution Day). I’ve never been in Poland on the 3rd of May but for me it will forever be associated with my Polish school head teacher Pan (Mr) Drogowski. With tears in his eyes every time, he drummed into us the importance of this day for Poland.  This day marks the creation of Poland as a modern, democratic and European country.