National traditions of Poland. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Poland is a very religious country. The local population adheres to Catholicism and regularly attends services in churches. Religiosity is one of the most important features that characterize the Polish people. The Poles are quite sentimental. They are very close to each other and are always ready to help those in trouble. They are trustful and take the life easy. The Polacks appreciate their state and support its policy. It is customary to smile at each other, demonstrating goodwill towards everyone around. This is also true for the guests of the country. The Poles are happy to enter into dialogues with strangers, but sociability has the reverse side. The local population is very fond of complaining. Complaints can be related to medicine, expensive food, bus schedules or just weather.

The Poles shake hands at meetings, and the ladies kiss the hand gallantly. Women in the country are treated with special respect and trepidation. Regardless of age, men always give ladies a place in public transport, hold the door, and help to put on a coat. Poles address each other by a surname or a post. They always use the prefix pan or pani. Another important value for any Pole is his family. Local men are rather loving and fond of women. However, Polacks pay great attention to their families. The percentage of divorces is very low in Poland. A family is a full-fledged unit of society. At the same time, families are small enough. Poles usually have one or two children. Locals are very fond of pets. Therefore, a dog or a cat is a compulsory component of a happy marriage. In the evenings, residents of cities, especially small ones, like to go for a walk with their pets.

The Poles may seem frivolous and carefree, but this impression is often wrong. Local residents have deep beliefs about morality and firm life principles which they never give up. A pride and a high self-esteem are typical for Polacks. These features are successfully combined with a clueless sense of humor. The Poles are very hospitable and always welcome guests in their home. It is customary to take off shoes before going into the house, so thoughtful owners always offer home slippers. In this case, refusal is not accepted, as it can seriously offend the owner. Guests are always greeted with a large feast with a huge number of treats. The Poles serve alcohol as a supplement to abundant food, and not vice versa. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Poles have a great respect for the forest and nature. In small towns and villages, the main forest prey is mushrooms. Even children can easily distinguish poisonous mushrooms from those that can be eaten. Forests occupy a third of the territory of the country. Hence, thrifty housewives do not go to supermarkets, but to picturesque glades. Much attention is paid in Poland to the memory of the deceased relatives. The Poles look after the graves and regularly visit them. On November 1, on the day of remembrance, families visit cemeteries. People light candles and bring flowers.

Dances play an important role in Polish culture. The most famous is the mazurka. In the 19th century, it became one of the main ballroom dances in the whole of Europe. There are three varieties of this dance: mazur, oberek, and kujawiak. Mazur is a classic version and the most common. The famous Polish composer Frederic Chopin wrote more than 60 different melodies for this dance. Oberek has a more complex rhythm. Kujawiak, on the other hand, is more fluid and lyrical, reminiscent of a waltz. Polish folk dance appeared among the peasants. It personifies the national art of the country. With the help of the dance, the peasants celebrated the main events of their life, including weddings and harvesting. A huge number of people participate in it simultaneously. The dance is accompanied by complex poses, which give it the special spectacularity and temperament.