What does Dozynki mean?
The word “Dozynki’ (do-zyn-ki) derives from the Polish word meaning to cut down or reap, thus relating to the harvest. Poland being an agricultural country for centuries, traditionally held harvest festivals on or about August 15, Assumption Day, known as the Feast of Our Lady of Harvest. Owners of large estates or farms would usually hold this celebration for the people who worked during the sowing and reaping.
On a chosen afternoon after the crops had been harvested, the farm folk of the village, in their most impressive costumes, would gather at the manor house. This group always included the best reapers. A huge wreath either round or cone shaped was made of vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts and streamers of red, and white ribbon. This wreath was carried by the best reapers both male and female and presented to the owner or Lord of the estate. The village priest would impart the blessing on harvest bounty, represented by the wreath. After the blessing the village folk responded with songs of praise to God for the abundant harvest. The owner in turn would treat his workers with vodka, bread, which was baked by the hostess and cheese. There would be dancing and singing around the first “snop” or sheaf of wheat. After this all were invited to a large barn which was cleared for dancing and a hearty supper was served by the landlord to all who participated. This merrymaking would continue into the hours at dusk when all would return to their homes.
Symbols of the Harvest
WHEAT
– This has a two fold representation not only of the harvest but also the bread of life as in communion with God.
WINE
– represents the wine used by Christ at the Last Supper, the bountiful fruit of the vine.
CHEESE
– represents the land of milk and honey or an abundant harvest.
COLORS
– red and white ribbons or streamers represent the colors of Poland.
COSTUMES
– Polish costumes are colorful and various regions have different ones. But they include vests for women with beads onto red, wine blue or black velvet or suede cloth. The skirts are made of white cloth with several rows of colored ribbons for the small girls. Shirts and blouses are white with long puffy white sleeves.
MONEY
– It was considered good luck for the following harvest when a guest outside of the harvesters would redeem himself with a monetary gift to the harvesters
On a chosen afternoon after the crops had been harvested, the farm folk of the village, in their most impressive costumes, would gather at the manor house. This group always included the best reapers. A huge wreath either round or cone shaped was made of vegetables, fruit, grains, nuts and streamers of red, and white ribbon. This wreath was carried by the best reapers both male and female and presented to the owner or Lord of the estate. The village priest would impart the blessing on harvest bounty, represented by the wreath. After the blessing the village folk responded with songs of praise to God for the abundant harvest. The owner in turn would treat his workers with vodka, bread, which was baked by the hostess and cheese. There would be dancing and singing around the first “snop” or sheaf of wheat. After this all were invited to a large barn which was cleared for dancing and a hearty supper was served by the landlord to all who participated. This merrymaking would continue into the hours at dusk when all would return to their homes.
Symbols of the Harvest
WHEAT
– This has a two fold representation not only of the harvest but also the bread of life as in communion with God.
WINE
– represents the wine used by Christ at the Last Supper, the bountiful fruit of the vine.
CHEESE
– represents the land of milk and honey or an abundant harvest.
COLORS
– red and white ribbons or streamers represent the colors of Poland.
COSTUMES
– Polish costumes are colorful and various regions have different ones. But they include vests for women with beads onto red, wine blue or black velvet or suede cloth. The skirts are made of white cloth with several rows of colored ribbons for the small girls. Shirts and blouses are white with long puffy white sleeves.
MONEY
– It was considered good luck for the following harvest when a guest outside of the harvesters would redeem himself with a monetary gift to the harvesters
