Poles - what are they like? This is a large West Slavic nation known for its vibrant culture and mentality. There are many different stereotypes about them, sometimes even contradicting each other: proud, puffy, scammers, smiling, simple, insincere. So what is their true nature? What are the specific features of Polish culture, what traditions are characteristic of this country?
History of the people
The first mention of the country of Poland appeared in the X century. Several principalities were united by the Piast dynasty into a small state. Throughout its long history, the country has experienced a period of feudal fragmentation, the Mongol-Tatar invasion, and the decline of state power. It was united with such states as Lithuania, Livonia (modern Estonia), was known not as Poland, but as the Commonwe alth.
The golden age for this country was the period from the beginning of the 16th to the 17th. The independent existence of Poland was threatened by numerous invasions of the Swedes in the 17th century, but King Stanislav Poniatowski tried to prevent the collapse of the state through reforms. Avoid partitionfailed, the first happened in 1772, the second - in 1793, the third - in 1795. From this year to 1918 it became independent again.
The First and Second World Wars caused great damage to the country. Entire cities were destroyed, about five million people were killed, and part of the territories were lost. The country had to be restored in a severe crisis. Revolts broke out and discontent grew. In the 80s of the XX century, a series of strikes took place, which led the state to liberation from Soviet power. The Democrats, who were in power, changed the economic course from planned to market, and switched to pluralism in politics.
Antonyms
Even in the Middle Ages, the Poles were called "Poles", and the country of Poland itself was called Lyakhistan or Lehistan. Initially, the word "lyakh" had a neutral character, but in the period from the 18th to the 19th centuries, it acquired a negative connotation in the Russian literary language. This word was used to express contempt for the representatives of the nation.
At the moment, the correct variants of the feminine and masculine forms are “Pole” and “Polka”. By the way, until about the 19th century, the word “Polish woman” was also considered normative, but then it became contemptuous (Dal’s dictionary). This form is now obsolete or colloquial (different dictionaries give different marks).
Polish language
This is one of the largest Slavic languages. It belongs to the West Slavic group, the Lechit subgroup. In some ways, it may seem similar to Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian, but there are a number of nuances. Firstfeature - in Polish, deletion always falls on the penultimate syllable (with the exception of loanwords). There are many unusual sound combinations in the phonetics of the Polish language, which will be difficult for a beginner to reproduce. For example, such combinations of letters as cz, sz, dz are read as very hard h, very hard sh, soft d and z together, respectively.
As noted above, Polish and Russian languages are quite similar. However, the similarity can be deceiving. There are a large number of words called "translator's false friends". Their peculiarity is that they are very reminiscent of words familiar to a native speaker of the Russian language, but they are translated in a completely different way. So, for example, ogonek, similar to "light", is translated as "tail", dywan, causing direct associations with the word "sofa", actually means "carpet". Polish learners need to be on the lookout for "translator's false friends" so as not to get into an awkward or comical situation (after all, "shop" in Polish is sklep!).
National character traits
So, the mentality of the Poles, what is it like? Many say that one of the most important features is a smile on the face. The Poles smile at a meeting, when communicating, when getting to know each other. There is a stereotype that she is insincere, but this is not so. They are indeed quite friendly people.
Smiles will be in the store, in the hospital, even in the impound lot, but the tourist should not think that friendliness and goodwill indicate a desire to provide him with any privileges(the store will not give him a discount). Also, the Poles are quite gullible. People are accustomed to behaving honestly for this reason to trust each other. For example, a cashier at a store may allow a customer to deposit money for a later purchase if they have forgotten it. And yes, the buyer will actually bring them. Another opinion that exists about the Poles is that they are “informers”. In fact, they are just quite zealous in protecting their rights and respecting the law. For example, if a neighbor makes noise late at night or litters in the stairwell, he will most likely be reported to law enforcement.
What else makes up the features of the national character of the Poles? Tourists and emigrants encountering the inhabitants of this country note that they are quite simple people. Even high-ranking persons do not actively demonstrate their we alth and position.
Finally, the Poles are the people who complain. They do it a lot and often. Almost everything can become a subject of discontent: the government, roads, assortment in the store, and so on. Their complaints are passive: despite the fact that many things do not suit them, they are not going to change anything. These are the characteristics of the Poles.
What they say about themselves
They have a rather high opinion of themselves (that's why the phrase “puffy Lyakh” appeared). The Poles consider themselves a civilized, educated and cultured nation. Polish girls are presented as patriots who sincerely love their Motherland, and at the same time they are ready to commit an insidious act. Of course, they are seductively attractive. A woman is perceived as an example for a man, placed above him.
How to offendPoles
There are several rules that must be observed when dealing with the Polish people, otherwise they can be very offended. Away, you should agree to the offer to change into slippers. Refusal can offend a Pole. It will also upset the host very much if the guest has a hearty lunch before the visit and refuses to eat his food. What is left after the feast can be offered to take with you, you should not refuse this. The character of the Poles, though friendly, but touchy.
Finally, since the Poles are quite religious people, they can be seriously offended by visiting the temple in an inappropriate form (shorts, short skirts) and attempts to photograph or film the service.
Cultural Contribution: Literature
Polish literature begins its history in the 16th century. Its founder is the writer Mikola Rei. His works, written in a journalistic style, have a sharp socio-political orientation. In a rough but rich language, the author defended the interests of the gentry and ridiculed the Catholic clergy. Jan Kokhanovsky is considered the first national poet. He was educated in Paris and in Italy, and although he wrote in Latin, he went down in the history of literature as an author who wrote splendidly in Polish. He wrote on love and political topics, one of his most famous works, Trena, was written under the influence of a personal tragedy - the death of his daughter.
The most famous not only Polish, but also the world poet was Adam Mickiewicz. His most famous work is the poem "Pan Tadeusz", which recreates in detail the historical picture of the life of the gentry. Mickiewicz is a leader, a leading author of Polish Romanticism.
Of modern authors, the most famous are Janusz Leon Wisniewski, who wrote a book about virtual love "Loneliness on the Web", which became a world bestseller, Andrzej Sapkowski - the creator of the Witcher universe, the author of many works in the fantasy genre.
Cultural contribution: music
The first most famous Polish composer was Nikolay Radomsky, who lived in the 15th century. Known for writing polyphonic music. A century later, European ones appeared in Polish national musical motifs. This happened thanks to Diomedes Kato, who lived in this country. Around the same time, the works of such composers as Vaclav from Shotul, Luca Marenzio appeared. The most famous Polish composer is the great Frederic Chopin.
He is the author of many pieces of music: polonaises, w altzes, mazurkas. It was he who became the founder of the local national school of composers.
Polish traditions
Some of them will seem familiar to a Russian person, but others may surprise.
- Burning an effigy of the Slavic goddess Mazhanna. This ceremony is somewhat reminiscent of the burning of a doll on Maslenitsa. On the first day of spring, a scarecrow is made from straw, decorated with ribbons, beads, patches. First, the doll is set on fire, and then drowned in a pond. It is believed that this custom will speed up the onset of heat.
- Corrections is an event that takes place on the second day after the wedding. The festivities continue until the third day.
- Christmastraditions. Since the Poles have a rather religious character, Christmas is a very important and significant holiday for them. On this day, it is customary to lay straw under the tablecloth, and put an additional device on the table. The straw symbolizes the circumstances of the birth of Christ, and the extra plate indicates that this nation is friendly and hospitable. A guest, even an unexpected and uninvited way, will always be met with joy, invited to the house and fed.
- Śmigus Dyngus is an Easter tradition that involves pouring water on passers-by. This is done from water pistols, plastic bottles or bags. Such a non-standard custom is explained by the fact that water is an obligatory element of baptism.
National costume
An obligatory element of traditional clothing is bright embroidery: flowers or patterns are depicted on fabrics. The national costume of a Polish girl includes: a skirt (striped or embroidered), a white shirt (sometimes with colored patterns), a corset, an apron, a headdress, shoes (boots or boots with lacing with a small heel). The colors of the women's costume are mostly bright: green, blue, red, brown shades. The headdress depends on the status of the polka. The unmarried wear brightly colored scarves and wreaths adorned with flowers. Married women put a cap on their heads. A very important part of the costume is jewelry: large earrings, massive bright beads.
Poles men are more restrained in colors: brown, black, gray and white prevail. Their suitconsists of a white shirt, waistcoat (usually embroidered), belt, black or brown pants, boots and a headdress. Usually it is a hat with a fur trim.
Polish food
Replete with meat dishes, sausages, pates, pickles (mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables). Polish cuisine is hearty and varied. The most famous first course is zhurek soup, which is boiled on kvass. Mushrooms, potatoes, smoked sausages, hard-boiled eggs are added there. Season it with lots of spices. Those wishing to try something more unusual should pay attention to the soup called chernina. The composition includes such an unusual ingredient as goose blood. In addition, goose offal, dried fruits and vegetables are added there.
One of the most famous second courses is, of course, bigos. The standard recipe includes meat (pork) and sauerkraut, but rice, dried fruits or vegetables can be added in various variations.
Another popular cabbage and meat dish is cabbage rolls (in Polish - gołąbki). Rice, cereals or potatoes are also put in the filling. This dish is served in tomato sauce.
Sweet lovers should definitely pay attention to Kolaczki cookies. These are envelopes made of shortcrust pastry stuffed with jam or cottage cheese. You can buy these in a bakery or in a supermarket.
National dances
Polonaise used to be performed at balls and special occasions. Now this dance is an obligatory part of the prom. It is a processional dance with graceful and elegant movements. He is verysuits the character of the Poles.
Mazurka is a dynamic, temperamental dance. It is one of the most difficult due to the rapid change of movements. Mazurkas were composed by such composers as Frederic Chopin and Karol Szymanowski.
