Folk Culture

This is another book on the Polish culture published by Hippocrene Books. It is a hardback book containing 196 pages. The chapters are dedicated to the engagement, bridal flowers, wedding clothes, the wedding day, and the wedding reception.

There are many black and white line drawing of everything from hair styles to articles of clothing. Included also are a few black and white wedding photographs.

In the chapter on the engagement is a complete listing of the dowry of Rose Jaciecka, married December 29, 1900. The listing includes table linen, blankets and bedding, bed linen, and towels. A listing of her trousseau contains silver cutlery pieces, everyday silver cutlery, glassware, and personal clothing. The engagement rings and wedding rings are described in great detail. Illustrations include a few family and city crests, a map of Poland, and a wedding invitation.

The chapter on the wedding reception includes a complete menu for an appetizer table, the buffet, and the wedding dinner. The custom of Oczepiny: The unveiling and capping ceremony is described in detail. Even line drawing of the decorations on wedding cakes are presented.

The book ends with several pages of the author’s notes, followed by two appendices. The first has a listing of typical Polish names with descritions. The second contains the sheet music to several pieces of Polish music, and includes the unveiling song, the money dance, and the traditional wedding dance. Appendix three contains a list of sources for Polish wedding merchants.

This book contains a wealth of information that will assist anyone with planning a Polish wedding or a mock wedding for presentation. In the folk world, many performances included a mock wedding.