Poland, A Unique Country and Its People

Alicja Deck-Partyka
AuthorHouse (2006)
ISBN 1425918387
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/06)

I chose this book to review because I thought it would help me learn more about the country my ancestors immigrated from.  I must say, I wasn’t disappointed and I learned so much more than I truly anticipated.

Not only does “Poland” cover a 1000 years of history, it also covers present day traditions and customs. I was amazed to learn that the earliest traces go back 180,000 years in the Ojcow Caves near Kracow. Polish archaeologists have uncovered many remains indicating agricultural cultures as well as industries of cloth and leather, and trading in stones, metals and pottery.

Christianity was accepted in Poland by Prince Mieszko in 966 AD. Ruling by Monarchs and Kings dates back as early as 550 AD.

Deck-Partyka covers many aspects of Poland.  Not only does she explain the history, she also covers geography, climate, government, economy and culture.  What I found most interesting was the culture, much of which I didn’t know because it wasn’t practiced in our home.  I learned about the ancient Polish Gods and Goddesses as well as folklore and legends.  I also learned that the Polish language is of Indo-Iranian origin.

One of the customs that I do recall witnessing as a child is “placing bread, wheat, herbs, salt and a holy image under the four corners of the house” when being built.  I also recall, after reading about the Babkas (female healers), my mother talking about her grandmother being the village Babka.  Although sometimes they were considered witches, they were also considered the “wise woman,” healer, and midwife.  Babkas still exist for those who have lost confidence in traditional medicine.  The other aspect of the traditions that shed some light for me was the naming customs.  My father was named after Saint Peter, a custom that is important to the Polish culture.  Usually the child is named after the Saint “whose feast day is on or near the birth or baptismal date of their child” or after one of the godparents.  Polish people don’t celebrate birthdays; they celebrate the feast day of the Saint whom they were named after.  This posed a problem for my father when he attempted to obtain certification of birth for immigration purposes.  No one could remember his actual birth date but they knew it was “around” the feast date of Saint Peter.

In the back of the book, that brought a big smile to my face, are recipes that brought back many fond memories. For example, Chrusiki (Polish Bows) (which I think actually means “pig ears”) were my favorite as a child. The Piernik (Honey Cake) brought back memories of my grandmother, and I must admit, I found horrible to my taste. And, of course there are the Pierogi which are a staple in any traditional Polish home. And, there is the Placki Kartoflane (potato pancakes) and Grzyby Duszone w S’mietanie (creamed mushrooms) that I still make.

My commendations wholeheartedly go to Alicja Deck-Partyka, who put much time and effort into creating “Poland, A Unique Country and Its People”, for readers to learn more about Poland, whether it is their heritage or not.  Her concise, yet very informative, book is a must have for anyone interested in learning more about the Polish culture.  It certainly is more than I originally anticipated and after reading this book, I am so much more knowledgeable about the country my ancestors lived in.

Make comment on weblog