Barbara Gardowska: Polish rituals and annual customs [2012].

“Polish Rituals and Annual Customs” is a richly illustrated album by Barbara Ogrodowska – an outstanding ethnographer and long-time employee of the State Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw. Published in 2012 by the Muza SA publishing house as part of the “Ocalić od zapomnienia” series, the book is an extremely valuable compendium of knowledge about Polish folk tradition and its cyclical rituals.

The author describes with extraordinary erudition and passion the richness of Polish customs associated with the ritual year – from Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Harvest Festival, to All Souls’ Day. The publication, published on chalk paper, contains extensive illustrative material: archival and contemporary photographs, reproductions of works of art and ethnographic drawings, which perfectly capture the atmosphere of the described rituals.

“Polish Rituals and Annual Customs” is not only an album, but also an invaluable source of knowledge for ethnographers, cultural scientists, educators, cultural animators and all those who wish to learn about and nurture the rich heritage of Polish tradition. The publication is perfectly in line with the series’ mission – to save from oblivion the beauty and wisdom of Polish folk culture.