4b939064b7400965fe493482507d7c11.pdf
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Part of Tradycja"ziela"w Ślęzanach / LUD 2007 t.91
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Barbara Pabian
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Barbara Pabian
THE T R A D I T I O N OF „ H E R B " (ZIELE)
I N ŚLĘZANY (CZĘSTOCHOWA
REGION)
(Summary)
The Częstochowa Region is an eclectic region with respect to culture. The cult
of St. Mary, connected with the shrine on Jasna Górna, affects the cultural specificity of
the region. It also affects the customs and tradition. Studies conducted by the author in
the region of Częstochowa have confirmed the hypothesis about the existence of the „folk
type culture". One of its manifestations is the custom of „herb elevation" practiced in the
village of Ślęzany. Although very interesting, the custom is little known. It is based in
the folk religious tradition, however it can be related to the cult of St. Mary.
Every year, on August 14, on the eve of the Mother of God of Herbs celebrations, the
inhabitants of the village gather in the afternoon at a designated place. Together, they put
up a spruce pole, several metres high. Atop the pole there is a special wooden structure
with field crops - the so-called „herb". The height of the pole and the abundance of the
„herb" are indications that the harvest was very good. It is an expression of gratitude and
a tribute paid to the Mother of God. This articles not only describes the „herb" tradition
in the cultural context of the region, but also interprets and describes the transformations
of this custom.
Key words: Częstochowa region, folk type culture, folk religious tradition, the cult of
St. Mary, the Mother of God of Herbs celebrations