Polish folk dances: krakyak, mazurka, polonaise. Culture and traditions of Poland

For many years, Poland is famous for the whole world with its folk dances. Polish folk dances are special in that they combine beautiful choreography, ballet art, contagious music and beautiful costumes. There are many of their varieties that represent Poland. Krakowiak is a dance known all over the world and is a kind of visiting card of the country. But this is not the only representative. Polonaise is a dance, no less famous and incendiary. We will tell you a little about each of them, so that you can plunge into the atmosphere of this country.

Polish folk dances

Poland is a country that remembers and honors its traditions, observes customs, is proud of its heritage. One of these legacies is dancing. Speaking of such a topic as Polish folk dances, you can talk for hours about the beauty of each of them, describe the originality, the history of its origin and the peculiarity of the performance. It is impossible to convey in words all beauty, but we will try to tell the most basic. So, the most famous dances of Poland are:

• Crockery;
• polonaise;
• Kujaviq;
• mazurka.

They are considered a common heritage. But there are such dances that are peculiar to certain areas. For example:

• Triple;
• Zboynitsky dances;
• The Gural dances.

Each of them has a stage image. The options for dancing are the brightest, when they are performed by a peasant staff, and not by a mannered intelligentsia. Salon mannerisms only spoil these lively, incendiary movements. It should be noted that the dances originated in a peasant, rural environment, and only later they were performed by artisans and townspeople. All of them are connected with any celebrations, holidays. That is why many couples and people participate in them. Grassness is a distinctive feature of Polish dance.

Cracow

Krakowiak is a dance that is distinguished by its speed and temperament. He was born in Krakow, hence the name. And they perform it not only in this city, but also in all cities of Poland, as well as in other countries where there are Polish diasporas. The dance is accompanied by songs - rehearsals. The meaning of the songs is that they praise the Polish guys. Dancing cracovian pairs. In this case, their number should be even. The leading role belongs to the guy who can diversify the course of the dance, using fantasy and fiction. Various movements in a fast rhythm look great thanks to a clear figure drawing and tightening of the dancers. It is accompanied by cheerful orchestral music.

Polonaise

Polonaise is a dance that differs solemnity. It is massive among the Poles, many couples take part in it. Polonaise was very popular among the aristocracy of Poland due to its proud nature. At the heart of the dance are the movement of walking. Steps have a sliding character and a restrained manner of execution. In the old days, girls during the performance of the polonaise held candles or hops in their hands. It was possible to wear a wreath of wild flowers.

Kujawiak

Dance Kujaviq first appeared in Kuyavia. He has a more smooth and slow pace, which is more like a waltz. Although the movements can vary and alternate a slow and fast pace. It is accompanied by kyaviak songs, which complement his scenic character. In the songs, the guys call the girls to dance, and they rejoice and praise their parents for teaching the children this art. Participates in the dance an even number of pairs, guys often raise and transfer from place to place girls. Very beautiful and rhythmic dance.

Mazurka

Mazurka - a dance that appeared in Mazovsh. It is also performed in pairs for songs or orchestral music. Unlike Krakowyak in the mazurka, the leading role is assigned to a girl who dances in the first couple. It is this couple that draws figures that can be different. In the process of dancing, a girl throws a handkerchief, and that guy who catches him can dance with her. The meaning of the mazurka is the praise of the beauty and diligence of a girl who is popular among the guys.

Traditions of Poland

Polish folk dances are not the only thing the people of this wonderful country are proud of. There are many other ancient traditions that the Poles still honor. In the country, traditions have a religious character. Here are very popular holidays such as Easter, Christmas. The Holy Week in general is distinguished by mass celebrations and theatrical performances. There are also many interesting traditions that vividly reflect the Polish flavor:

• Emaus - a mass celebration, which was held in memory of the apostles, who went to the village of Emaus. On the streets are merchants who offer toys, jewelry, confectionery, etc.
• All Saints' Day is celebrated on the first of November, and on the second of November everyone remembers the souls of the deceased. Cushions are a day of remembrance. All relatives gather together and commemorate those who have already passed away.
• Christmas is solemnly celebrated. There are many options for decorating houses that create a special, festive atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve, the Poles observe all the signs and traditions in order to attract prosperity and prosperity to their home next year.
• Drowning of Mozhany. This tradition takes its roots from ancient times. But so far the Poles continue to honor her. Mozhan is a doll that represents the winter, and drowning it means parting with this time of year. Arrange it all on the first day of spring from the point of view of astronomy - March 21. Especially this tradition is loved by children, since the whole process is accompanied by fun and noise. The doll is dressed in a dress, a necklace and worn through the village, going into each house. Then all the clothes are removed and thrown out into the field, and the doll is thrown into the river or the lake, you can just puddle.

In addition, in Poland celebrate such holidays:

• Women's Day - March 8.
• Mother's Day - May 26.
• Grandmother's Day - January 21st.
• Children's Day - June 1.
• Independence Day - November 11.
• Constitution Day - May 3.

Poles take very seriously all traditions and customs, because they love their country. In general, this nation is characterized by a positive attitude and good-natured character. Everyone who has visited Poland, brought out a lot of emotions and impressions, especially if he got there during any holiday.