Zwyczaje związane z kalendarzowym wspomnieniem św. Sylwestra. Zarys problematyki
Customs related to the calendar memorial of Saint Sylvester. Outline of the problems
Author(s): Marta KowalczykSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History, Cultural history, History of Church(es), Theology and Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne Diecezji Elbląskiej w Elblągu
Keywords: Polish traditions; folk customs; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s day; celebrations
Summary/Abstract: Before 1000, the New Year’s Eve parties were not popular. The first official New Year’s Eve took place in 999, yet people were afraid that the prophecy about the end of the world in 1000 would be fulfilled. In XIX century in Poland New Year’s fun and balls were rare and celebrated mostly by rich bourgeois. The very New Year’s Eve in Poland resembled a compilation of the Christmas Eve and St Andrew’s Eve party, where the priority was to learn the future which was supposed to come in the early months of the New Year.According to Polish tradition, the New Year’s day was strictly related to celebration of Christmas. This is proved by both meteorological and matrimonial prophecies, folk customs and games, as well as activities and prayers which were supposed to guarantee auspiciousness, health, good weather and harvest in the upcoming year.
Journal: Studia Elbląskie
- Issue Year: 2021
- Issue No: 22
- Page Range: 387-396
- Page Count: 10
- Language: Polish
