What was the culture of Poland prior to the advent of Catholicism?

Reading these posts have been very informative and helpful in understanding my Polish ancestry. The following has come to mind.
Where can I find information regarding Polish culture prior to the advent of Catholicism?
Ireland has Saint patrick who drove out the snakes. This is widely claimed to mark the beginning of Catholicism there. What was Poland's? What kind of culture existed there? What were the myths? The heros? The dominant ethos?

Gday mate

There is a good book called "World of the Ancient Slavs". It's been years, but I'm pretty sure itdeals witht he period youre after. I cant remember the author. The book is a large hard cover one.

Also try Norman Davies' various publications on Poland, but in particular "God's playground". Hope that helps

Wow. I just came on here to ask if there was a prevalent worship of the old gods in Poland and this thread is on top. Talk about synchronicity. So...why start a new thread?

Is there any noteworthy return to the old gods in Poland? Are there any groups practicing the worship of Perun, etc.? How about the Germanic gods like Odin, Thor, etc.?

sui generis...I don't know if Poland is considered Slavic but you might want to look here and here.

Thanks

You have given me much to begin with. The fact that there was no written tradition prior to the onset of Christianity explains the dearth of information. I have only scanned the info you suggested so I hope to find what caused Poland to differentiate itself from the rest of the Slavs? The book I will look up in the Library. I will post after I read some.

I am second generation born in USA, Polish ancestry both sides. As an artist I want to explore the ancients beliefs of my lineage and incorporate them in my art.

I am open to anything so thanks again for the help.

The Polish were Pagans prior to Christianity. The god they warshipped was named Światowid. There's another topic containing PL history

Some general info on Polish mythology: URL

Be sure to check the links at the bottom of the article.

lol.. it is. poland became christian in 966. prince mieszko1 was baptised then. prior to that slavs were barbarians, basically. even to this day some old pagan traditions continue. the christmas tree being one of them.