Kashubian Culture
“In form, the Kaszub is not tall; he is bony, nimble, of rather fair complexion, usually with light-colored hair. The men’s clothing consists of a long, pleated frock (of homespun), with firm calfs leather shoes, often tar-soaked, and pants, also of homespun, reaching down to their tops. Currently the most typical feature of every Kaszub’s attire is a large cap (like the ones firemen wear), covering the back of the skull, and the ears with flaps; gray sheepskin is sewn on the front, and the inside is also lined with sheepskin. They used to wear a tall sheepskin cap with short silk ribbons, usually yellow, on the back. Young Kaszub women also delight in warm homespun dresses with similar ribbons. In summer they wear on their heads a thin white scarf knotted under the chin-thus they are called bialki [“white ones”].”
From the Slownik Geograficzny Krolestwa Polskiego – Warsaw 1882, vol. 3, pp. 904-907.
Folklore defines the character of Kashubians as one of love and fairness, piety and solidarity, patriotism, diligence, perseverance, stubbornness, and love of land.
Kashubian Unity Day
Kashubian Unity Day has been held on March 19th of every year since 2005. It commemorates the first historical record confirming the very existence of Kashubians. It was on this day in the year 1238 that Pope Gregory IX addressed Bògùsłôw I, Prince of Pomerania Duke of Kashubia.
Kashubian Flag Day
Kashubian Flag Day is held on August 18th of every year.
Kashubian Christmas Folklore
An article about the symbolism of Polish folklore during the Christmas season – unique to Northern Poland.
Geni.com Article
Article about Kashubian History and Culture.
Kashubian Identity – by David Szulist
Detailed information about Kashubians from a Kashub who now lives in Canada.
Kashubians: Poland’s Unknown Minority
Article about various aspects of the Kashubian culture.
KANA (Kashubian Association of North America) Articles about Kashubian Culture
| Year/issue | Title/Author |
|---|---|
| Winter 1997-1998, page 4 | The Kaszubs: Throughout History Known for their Style by Lynne Visutskie |
| Spring 1998, page 8 | Thinking of May Day and my Polish Heritage by Shirley Mask Connolly |
| Summer 1998, page 1 | “Purteks” – Not Just a Pretty Word for Some “Little Stinkers” |
| Summer 1998, page 4 | Who Were the Kashubs? by Ruth Kriehn |
| Fall 1998, page 4 | Kashubian Christmas by Friedrich Lorentz, 1935 |
| Winter 2001, page 4 | Gòdë- Kashubian Christmas Translated by Renata Stachowicz |
| Spring 2002, page 8 | Some Kashubian Customs and Superstitions Translated by John M. Hingst |
| Fall 2003, page 12 | Mùca by Lukas Jablonski (about Kashubian hats) |
| Winter 2003, page 12 | Institute of Kashubia in Gdansk by Peter von Lipinsky |
| Spring 2006, part 1 Spring 2006, part 2 | Some Thoughts about Easter in Kaszubia by Blanch Krbecheck |
| Winter 2006, page 1 | Bee-Keeping in Kashubia by Marian Jelinski |
| Spring 2008, part 1 Spring 2008, part 2 | The Kashubs Today. Culture-Language-Identity, Excerpts by Cezary Obracht-Prondzynski |
| Summer 2008, page 12 | Kashubian Identity and Related Issues Cezary Olbracht-Prondzynski |
| Winter 2008, part 1 Winter 2008, part 2 | My Christmas in Kashubia, 2008 by Blanche Krbecheck |
| Winter 2008, page 4 | Symbols and Customs of Wigilia (Christmas Eve Meal) by Maria Sowislo |
