Arts
Sculpture and painting in Poland is typically religious, with Gothic and Renaissance representations of the Madonna and Christ evident in most churches. Ornate tomb decoration was a particular specialty of Polish stone-workers, their anonymous artistry also evident in the bas-relief facades of many Renaissance houses. Secular work has been largely documentary, even until well into this century. Zdzislaw Beksinski is an exception. Born in 1929, he is a creator of a striking and mysterious world of dreams and is thought by many to be the best artist Poland has produced.
Artists in Poland today are still shaking off the hideous legacy of Communism under Stalin. During this period, Socialist Realism became the dominant style, bequeathing an abominable body of visual arts, architecture, literature and music. Poland has spawned fine fiction writers, many of them emigrants like Isaac Bashevis Singer, whose work recreates in Yiddish the vanished milieu of Jewish Poland. Among the current prominent exponents of Polish culture are writers such as Ryszard Kapuscinski, and the composer Henryk Gorecki, whose third symphony achieved world-wide success a couple of years ago.
Food & Drinks
Polish food is hearty and filling, with thick soups and sauces, abundant in potatoes and dumplings, rich in meat but not in vegetables. Characteristic ingredients are dill, marjoram, caraway seeds and wild mushrooms; favourite dishes include bigos (sauerkraut and meat) and barszcz (beetroot soup). There are four daily meals in Poland: an early breakfast, a light snack for second breakfast, a substantial lunch taken after work, and a small supper before bed. Tea and vodka are the favoured Polish beverages, both consumed with fervour, but to somewhat differing effect.
Christmas
In Poland, an elaborate tradition called Wigilia is celebrated. Beginning on Christmas Eve, a strict 24-hour fast is observed which ends with a huge Christmas feast. In honor of the star of Bethlehem, the meal cannot begin until the first star of night appears. Though Christmas is Poland is officially known as Bozz Narodzenie, it is most often referred to as Gwiazdka, which means "little star." Once the star appears, a special rice wafer blessed by the parish priest called oplatek, is broken into pieces and shared by all. Finally the meal can begin. The feast consists of twelve courses, one for each Apostle. The table is always set with one extra seat in case a stranger or the Holy Spirit should appear to share the meal.
National Anthem
To listen the national anthem click here.