What really represents Polish people?

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MoOoMThreads: 1 Posts: 5 Joined: Jun 30, 09	Jun 30, 09, 19:49 / #
Hey everybody! My name is Milana... I'm doing a research on Poland... and I desperately need your help! =) I need to find out what would be the symbol of Poland... so far it came up that the eagle (on the coat of arms) is the symbol... But I asked only few Polish people. Is there anything else? Any other object, thing or symbol that symbolize Poland in terms of people/spirit and culture?

KazimierzThreads: 6 Posts: 24 Joined: Jun 19, 09	Jun 30, 09, 20:27 / #
Hi Milana, Traditionally Polish people have typically been perceived as very religious (Roman Catholic). Most that I know are devote Catholics, both from the USA and Polska. [(KEYWORDS: Traditionally, typically) -- I understand that their are some people that are Polish that are not religious at all, and do not want to offend!]

1jolaThreads: 33 Posts: 2,739 Joined: Sep 23, 08	Jun 30, 09, 20:40 / #
MoOoM: people/spirit and culture? Oh, we certainly don't lack spirit!

buniaThreads: 1 Posts: 159 Joined: May 27, 07	Edited by: bunia Jun 30, 09, 21:02 / #
Polish things that everyone knows: Polish flag (white-red) Polish eagle Mazurek Dabrowskiego (polish anthem) Syrenka Warszawska Auschwitz And lots more. People: John Paul II Lech Walesa Marie Curie-Sklodowska Chpin Kopernik And lots of others. From other things: Beutiful women Pierogi Vodka And lots lots more :)

MoOoMThreads: 1 Posts: 5 Joined: Jun 30, 09	Jun 30, 09, 22:03 / #
Cool! Thanks for your answer! The Polish mermaid seems to be interesting... I need it to put it in the cover of my research... so it needs to be something that you can design... whta does the mermaid mean? + do you have any other ideas? those ppl mentined are great... but i cannot put all of them... and it would be unfair to pu one¨¨

southernThreads: 116 Posts: 10,899 Joined: May 17, 07	Jun 30, 09, 22:21 / #
MoOoM: Any other object, thing or symbol that symbolize Poland Kielbasa.

plk123Threads: 30 Posts: 6,410 Joined: Aug 29, 07	Jun 30, 09, 22:31 / #
the black madonna.. the thing is that really none of the symbols above are all that well known or recognized outside of PL. vodka and kielbasa are the exceptions.

Polonius3Threads: 963 Posts: 4,551 Joined: Apr 11, 08	Jul 1, 09, 00:08 / #
The cover could be a collage with the white crowned eagle spreading its wings and encompassing: the white & red chessboard logo of the Polish Air Force, the hussar wings of Sobieski's forces that saved Europe from the 17th-century Muslim invasion, Our Lady of Częstochowa, Polish mottos "For your freedom and ours" and "God, Honour and Homeland", the Polonaise (dance), Polish folk dancers, the bread & salt welcome, bison, the Warsaw Mermaid, the King Zygmunt Column, Wawel Castle, busts of JPII, Wałęsa, Copernicus, Chopin, Piłsudski, Madam Curie, etc. The graphic value of kiełbasa is doubtful, since sausage is indigenous to most ethnicities, and using a vodka brand-name such as Wyborowa or Belvedere would cheapen and commercialise the overall effect.

tornado2007Threads: 20 Posts: 3,497 Joined: Jul 11, 07	Jul 1, 09, 00:10 / #
why dosen't everybody try and design the new Polish flag which would represent the 'modern' Poland, it would be fun and add a different angle to the thread, don't you think??

sadieannThreads: 4 Posts: 320 Joined: Apr 28, 09	Jul 1, 09, 00:19 / #
MoOoM: I need it to put it in the cover of my research... so it needs to be something that you can design... ***IDEAS: 1ST BRAIN STORM- WITHOUT STOPPING OR ANALYZING- take all symbolism of Poland and write, sketch as many ideas as possible. Next: intuitively focus on your objective of project and rely on what you gravitate towards. Don't limit yourself to 'placing value one over the other.' Although, you feel your placing importance over another-your not- and that makes your project limited. You've stated your leaning toward Syrenka/Mermaid? Will that capture the Polish Spirit? Focus on what Poles truly stand for..Good Luck..Would love to see finished Design!

1jolaThreads: 33 Posts: 2,739 Joined: Sep 23, 08	Jul 1, 09, 00:27 / #
Yes, Our Lady of Częstochowa - Queen and Protector of Poland. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Madonna_of_Cz%C4%99stochowa The mermaid or Syrenka in Polish is on the coat of arms of Łorsoł. If you search in Google images you will find many designs. There are too statues of her in Warsaw. It doesn't represent the whole country as such but take here, there is a subheading expaining the legend: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw#Warsaw_Mermaid

1jolaThreads: 33 Posts: 2,739 Joined: Sep 23, 08	Edited by: 1jola Jul 1, 09, 00:46 / #
Our highlanders - Górale etnologia.uj.edu.pl/portal/images/galeria/Kursy/wedding.jpg

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09	Jul 1, 09, 00:49 / #
1jola: Yes, Our Lady of Częstochowa Weird, I haven't heard of her... and saying that she represents Polish people that's going over the top..

1jolaThreads: 33 Posts: 2,739 Joined: Sep 23, 08	Edited by: 1jola Jul 1, 09, 00:58 / #
That's OK. Welcome to Poland. She doesn't represent the communists, ex-communists turned biznessmen, and other leftist trash. That's why the OP is asking Poles and not you.

TorqThreads: 65 Posts: 4,023 Joined: Apr 10, 09 MEMBER	Edited by: Torq Jul 1, 09, 07:51 / #
frd: Weird, I haven't heard of her... Well, apparently you know very little about Polish people and history. frd: saying that she represents Polish people that's going over the top No, it isn't. Oh, and it's not "she" but "She" (with a capital letter). Have some respect when you write about Our Queen!

CalicoeThreads: 1 Posts: 205 Joined: Aug 15, 08	Jul 1, 09, 07:57 / #
1jola: That's OK. Welcome to Poland. She doesn't represent the communists, ex-communists turned biznessmen, and other leftist trash. That's why the OP is asking Poles and not you. hahahahaha - LOVE this response!

plk123Threads: 30 Posts: 6,410 Joined: Aug 29, 07	Edited by: plk123 Jul 1, 09, 08:06 / #
tornado2007: why dosen't everybody try and design the new Polish flag which would represent the 'modern' Poland, it would be fun and add a different angle to the thread, don't you think?? i like this idea.. how about a palm right in the middle.. or an blue octagon.. yeah.. :D :D sadieann: You've stated your leaning toward Syrenka/Mermaid? Will that capture the Polish Spirit? to me nike is the one that really captures the spirit. frd: eird, I haven't heard of her... and saying that she represents Polish people that's going over the top.. not at all.. many non polish catholics know all about her.. she's a huge symbol in PL.

SwitekThreads: 1 Posts: 66 Joined: May 28, 09	Edited by: Switek Jul 1, 09, 09:31 / #
MoOoM: I need to find out what would be the symbol of Poland. One of the most important symbol: A poster from first semi free elections after WW2 in Poland and one thing more: nypost.com/photos/galleries/sports/pp_20080609_euro_cup_fans/photo01.j pg a symbol of Polish success after 1989... ;)

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09	Jul 1, 09, 09:49 / #
1jola: That's OK. Welcome to Poland. She doesn't represent the communists, ex-communists turned biznessmen, and other leftist trash. She also doesn't represent evolutionists, most scientists, and many other people with open tolerant minds and great wisdom.. with your post you just proved you're a narrow minded person, attacking me without a reason. There, you have it, your average hateful parochial Pole, I'm amazed - you haven't used the word "Jew" even once... Besides, don't say that something represents "Poles" when in fact it represents just you and your point of view. Torq: Oh, and it's not "she" but "She" (with a capital letter). Have some respect when you write about Our Queen! Of course I know about her, I was pulling his leg - because I don't like when somebody says that some fairy lady represents ALL Poles when in fact she doesn't.

plk123Threads: 30 Posts: 6,410 Joined: Aug 29, 07	Jul 1, 09, 10:03 / #
frd: Besides, don't say that something represents "Poles" when in fact it represents just you and your point of view. i'm not religious and i agree with her on this.. one of the very few things i seem to..

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09	Jul 1, 09, 10:15 / #
Actually after a little rethinking, it's true, all religious icons wheater it's black madonna or anything else will represent part of Polish bigtry, but not all Poles..

TorqThreads: 65 Posts: 4,023 Joined: Apr 10, 09 MEMBER	Jul 1, 09, 12:38 / #
frd: I don't like when somebody says that some fairy lady represents ALL Poles when in fact she doesn't. To say that something/someone represents Poland or Polish people (as in the thread title) doesn't mean that it has to represent ALL Poles. It's enough if it represents the majority of them and we can safely say that Our Lady of Czestochowa represents the majority of my compatriots. Anyway - nodoby said that she represents ALL Poles. Looks like you said it yourself and argue with yourself... strange. frd: represent part of Polish bigtry You meant bigotry? You see, I'm a Catholic and I have absolutely no problem with atheists. You don't believe in God and don't want to have anything to do with religion? Very well, it's your life, your free will - do as you want. You on the other hand seem to have some kind of a problem with Christianity (or maybe religion in general?) and I really don't give a toss if you do, but I don't take kindly to you saying that Black Madonna represents "bigotry" (it's probably the biggest nonsense I read on this forum and I read a lot :)).

Edited by: Mr Grunwald Jul 1, 09, 13:52 / #

Torq:

You meant bigotry? You see, I'm a Catholic and I have absolutely no problem
with atheists. You don't believe in God and don't want to have anything to do
with religion? Very well, it's your life, your free will - do as you want.

You on the other hand seem to have some kind of a problem with Christianity
(or maybe religion in general?) and I really don't give a toss if you do, but I don't
take kindly to you saying that Black Madonna represents "bigotry" (it's probably
the biggest nonsense I read on this forum and I read a lot :)).

Todays best post!

I would have said that this picture would fit best for Poland.

Think of it forcibly build (Just like Poland after 1945)
Some kinda not nowadays but made used of (satalites at top etc, just like Poland! It's not like a westenr country but it catches up!)

The old grudge it holds but yet not destroyed!
The history it shows wich we shouldn't forget!

It all represents Poland in allmost everything!
Many look upon it as tragic! I would say it shows us everything

MoOoMThreads: 1 Posts: 5 Joined: Jun 30, 09	Jul 1, 09, 15:46 / #
Thank you very much for your answers! There are quiete some answers that say that vodka is typical... I thought that it was more Russian, than Polish... =) About religiuos symbols, as you can see from the different comments, it's a touchy matter. Therefore, I wouldn't like to go into it and use a religious symbol... If I put a lot of represantative symbols on the cover... well, it could have a cheap look: too many things and it's kind of hard to organize such a composition... usually it looks too caotic and it's actually hard to actually execute it... food and drinks... well, I'm not sure if it really represents Poland, as a culture... to represent= to express all the values that it has. So so far I see the eagle, the warsaw mermaid (but not everybody agree that it would symbolize the whole), the wawel castle, nike, the King Zygmunt Column, as symbols in terms of something that could be designed on the cover... What would be the best of these things? Is there anything else?

KazimierzThreads: 6 Posts: 24 Joined: Jun 19, 09	Jul 1, 09, 16:22 / #
Could also do the winged Hussars, heavy calvary? .......that might be more for history buffs though........

buniaThreads: 1 Posts: 159 Joined: May 27, 07	Jul 1, 09, 16:46 / #
For a cover i would probably go with eagle - you can't argue that it is a national symbol :)

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09	Jul 1, 09, 17:53 / #
Torq: To say that something/someone represents Poland or Polish people (as in the thread title) doesn't mean that it has t.. rabble rabble all / majority that's of a little difference... and saying "our Queen" sounds exactly like you were stating that she is a queen of all Poles. I know some deeply religious people, catholics, who would never say something like that. Torq: You meant bigotry? You see, I have nothing against catholics, if you were paying more attention while reading this thread instead of making an arse of yourself by nitpicking typos you'd know that I was referring to 1jolas "She doesn't represent the communists, ex-communists turned biznessmen, and other leftist trash." that was his bigot reply to my neutral statement. It was not about Black Madonna. If you are so open minded and tolerant you should notice that this kind of hostile answer pretty much follows Radio Maryja.. my bad for not quoting the obvious

PiorunThreads: - Posts: 741 Joined: Nov 11, 07	Jul 1, 09, 18:20 / #
Szczerbiec - Polish Kings Coronation Sword Bocian (Stork) – good luck symbol, also a symbol of polish countryside. Wycinanki łowickie (paper-cut artwork) – symbol of polish folk art Bursztyn (amber) – excellent symbol of Poland. For ancient Slavs it was a magical stone, wearing it protected the wearer from illness and evil. Wearing an amber for the Kashubian people meant successful hunt and safe return from the sea voyage. Ciupaga - symbol Podhala one of the first gifts received by Pope John Paul II after his election for a reason. Lajkonik - unofficial symbols of Krakow, one might say a postcard for the city of Kraków, a symbol of victory. Kolumna Zygmunta (Sigismund's Column) - The column commemorates King Zygmunt III Waza, who had moved Poland's capital from Kraków to Warsaw. These are just a few examples of the lesser known symbols of Poland. Those objects might not be associated with Poland by a foreigner, but anyone who is Polish would immediately think of Poland. frd Weird that you had to attack that one particular symbol. Like it or not even during the darkest days of communism there was organized pilgrimage to that site annually. Atheist like yourself not only had to allow it but they had to recognize the fact that for majority of Poles She is the symbol of Poland. Please enlighten us one more time, Who's intolerant?

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09	Jul 1, 09, 18:33 / #
Piorun: Piorun So me stating "saying this icon represents Poles is over the top" is not tolerant? in what way? That's just my point of view, deal with it. Beside that, my other posts were all focused on answering people who were trying to mock me.. where your great intolerance?

TorqThreads: 65 Posts: 4,023 Joined: Apr 10, 09 MEMBER	Edited by: Torq Jul 1, 09, 18:34 / #
frd: all / majority that's of a little difference Not really. All means 100%. Majority can mean, for instance, 51%. Do you really see no difference? frd: I have nothing against catholics Really? You have nothing against Catholics but you called Saint Virgin Mary... frd: fairy lady Fairy lady? Do you even realize how insulting that is for Catholics? What makes you think you have right to ridicule people's beliefs like that? You seem to be an arrogant person, using words like "bigotry", "hateful parochial Pole", "narrow minded person", "fairy lady", "making an arse of yourself" or replacing a part of my quote with "rabble, rabble". Seriously, I have to say that most atheists I meet on internet boards are quite aggressive and intolerant for religious people but still they see themselves as posessing frd: open tolerant minds and great wisdom Hilarious :)