Author Archives: Ewelina Grygier

Depositaries of tradition

The term folklore was first used by William Thoms a.k.a. Ambrose Merton in 1846 in a letter to The Atheneum. It is a portmanteau of the words folk (people) and lore (traditional knowledge or stories). In Polish science the term first appeared

Depositaries of tradition

The term folklore was first used by William Thoms a.k.a. Ambrose Merton in 1846 in a letter to The Atheneum. It is a portmanteau of the words folk (people) and lore (traditional knowledge or stories). In Polish science the term first appeared

Cries and criers

For those who are interested in folk manifestations, traditional music and oral literature, long and winded forms of expression must definitely be much more attractive than short cries. However, the short forms, such as cries, shouts or calls, are an

Cries and criers

For those who are interested in folk manifestations, traditional music and oral literature, long and winded forms of expression must definitely be much more attractive than short cries. However, the short forms, such as cries, shouts or calls, are an

Polka now!

The waltz is associated with Austria (Strauss and the Blue Danube!), the csárdás with Hungary and the tango with Argentina. What about the polka? Is the polka actually from Poland? The answer is not as obvious as the name of

Polka now!

The waltz is associated with Austria (Strauss and the Blue Danube!), the csárdás with Hungary and the tango with Argentina. What about the polka? Is the polka actually from Poland? The answer is not as obvious as the name of

Wacław Tuwalski

Collecting folklore and, keeping up with advances in technology, recording it in sound and vision, has either been associated with the ‘big names’, e.g. Oskar Kolberg, Gustaw Gizewiusz and the Reverend Skierkowski, or with collective initiatives, such as the Ogólnopolska

Wacław Tuwalski

Collecting folklore and, keeping up with advances in technology, recording it in sound and vision, has either been associated with the ‘big names’, e.g. Oskar Kolberg, Gustaw Gizewiusz and the Reverend Skierkowski, or with collective initiatives, such as the Ogólnopolska

Kurpie Forest Songs

The month of August marks both the birth and death of the Reverend Władysław Skierkowski – a highly meritorious figure for the folk culture in the region of Kurpie. While commemorating the life and work of this outstanding personality, we

Kurpie Forest Songs

The month of August marks both the birth and death of the Reverend Władysław Skierkowski – a highly meritorious figure for the folk culture in the region of Kurpie. While commemorating the life and work of this outstanding personality, we

Indigenous peoples and their folklore

The day of 9 August is celebrated as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. On this occasion, we will have a look at the folklore of the ethnographic, ethnic and national minorities living in Poland as well as

Indigenous peoples and their folklore

The day of 9 August is celebrated as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. On this occasion, we will have a look at the folklore of the ethnographic, ethnic and national minorities living in Poland as well as

Pilgrims’ Songs

Late July marks the beginning of the season for walking pilgrimages to the centres of worship, where famous revelations and miracles once occurred. This year, the longest pilgrimage in Poland will connect the town of Hel in the northernmost part

Pilgrims’ Songs

Late July marks the beginning of the season for walking pilgrimages to the centres of worship, where famous revelations and miracles once occurred. This year, the longest pilgrimage in Poland will connect the town of Hel in the northernmost part

Dudki and other wedding instruments

The celebrations of Saint John’s Day and Kupała Night mark the end of a busy ritual period within the calendar year. Up until winter, graced with Advent, Christmas and New Year, folk culture is predominantly focused on farming and vegetation. The most important feast celebrated in July

Dudki and other wedding instruments

The celebrations of Saint John’s Day and Kupała Night mark the end of a busy ritual period within the calendar year. Up until winter, graced with Advent, Christmas and New Year, folk culture is predominantly focused on farming and vegetation. The most important feast celebrated in July

The Feast of Saint Adalbert

Celebrated on 23rd April, the feast of Saint Adalbert traditionally launches the so-called redyk, or spring pasturage, in Poland. This day is supposed to open the sheep herding season. Adalbert is the patron saint of shepherds and his feast day

The Feast of Saint Adalbert

Celebrated on 23rd April, the feast of Saint Adalbert traditionally launches the so-called redyk, or spring pasturage, in Poland. This day is supposed to open the sheep herding season. Adalbert is the patron saint of shepherds and his feast day

Prince Zapust & Co.

Carnival does not only mean Rio or Venice. In Poland, people can have an equally colourful time. The end of the carnival season coincides with fancy dress processions and dancing parties – joyful, colourful, musical and… traditional! Ostatki, Mięsopust, Babski

Prince Zapust & Co.

Carnival does not only mean Rio or Venice. In Poland, people can have an equally colourful time. The end of the carnival season coincides with fancy dress processions and dancing parties – joyful, colourful, musical and… traditional! Ostatki, Mięsopust, Babski