POLISH TRADITION - COSTUMES pt.1

National costumes of Poland vary by region. They are not worn on a daily basis in life but at folk festivals, folk weddings, religious holidays, harvest festivals and other special occasions.

pic source: https://goo.gl/4FJE5G
pic source: https://goo.gl/4FJE5G
 
pic source: https://goo.gl/4FJE5G


The costumes may reflect region and sometimes social or marital status. Full of rich vibrant colours. Very often accessorized with the red necklace or multiple different colour necklaces and a flower themed shawl. Often red shoes for women.



Look at those different skirts, belts or flowers etc.





Apart from costume, each region of Poland has its own traditional dance. But there is one dance called Polonez that represents the Poland in total. It was adopted by the Polish nobility in the 16th century as a formal march. Danced in 3/4 time bending knees on every third step. 



Polonez it is always a first dance at "Studniówka" ("100 days" day). The Polish equivalent of a senior prom that is 100 days before the Matura exam at the high school ending.

Nowadays danced in evening outfits rather that national costumes.


People of the mountains

As written before, there are different outfits depending on the region. For example in the mountains traditional outfit looks like below and the people are called the Gorals - polish 'GÓRALE' (goo-ra-le). The word 'Góra' translates to mountain in english. So Górale are the polish highlanders.

pic source: http://goo.gl/fNjlpM


pic source: http://goo.gl/1EgJWZ

The shepherd's axe you see below is called 'CIUPAGA' . Ciupaga features an axe tool combine with a walking stick, that could be used as a light weapon. It has symbolic historical and cultural connotations and is still used as a prop in many traditional dances




And the traditional shoes are called kierpce (kiee-r-pcee). Kierpce is a traditional shoewear made of real, hard leather that makes them very durable. Men wear black colour kierpce and women wear lighter colored ones.








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