Culture in Poland

Warsaw has no location that could get away from the culture’s embrace. Poland's national culture emerged as a synthesis of Latin and Byzantine influences and was further engendered by the numerous European occupations, throughout its history. Customs, traditions and mores display a diverse mix of the East and the West - a colourful cohabitation of the vibrant Eastern ornamental style and the sombre Islamic influence. Every day and every night, all over Warsaw, something impressive is going on. The agenda is packed with abundant amount of events of different calibre, which define the cultural map of the city. For the centuries Warsaw always represented a proverbial melting-pot comprised of different multicultural customs and traditions. Today such description would be entirely appropriate – a pure cultural Mecca frequently visited by the artists, inventors and creators which directly contribute to the longest, in this part of Europe, list of events and attractions taking place in this amazing city. Poland is pretty much ethnically homogeneous. Ukrainian, Belorussian, Slovakian, and Lithuanian minorities reside along the borders. A German minority is concentrated near the southwest city of Opole. The capital and other cities are experiencing some inward migration from foreigners.

 

Family

In Polish etiquette the family always comes first, then close friends, then business associates and other people. The family is the centre of the social structure. One’s obligation is to the family first and foremost. Extended families are still the norm and really form an individual’s social network. Poles draw a line between their inner circle and outsiders. Family members are naturally part of the inner circle along with close friends, usually “family friends”. Poles will interact differently with their inner circle and outsiders. The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon to: offer advice, help find a job, cut through bureaucracy, or even rent an apartment. There is an elaborate etiquette of extending favours and using contacts to get things done. It is very important to show special consideration and care for the senior citizens of Poland. Children are taught good manners and etiquette from an early age, to give up their seats for the elderly is just an accepted way of life.

 

Social Behaviour

Greetings are generally reserved yet courteous. When greeting someone a good handshake, direct eye contact, a smile and the appropriate greeting for that time of day will suffice. When greeting someone, you often kiss them on the cheek - one or three times. Kissing a woman on the hand is very polite. Good morning/afternoon is "dzien dobry" and good evening is "dobry wieczor". Address people by their honorific title, “Pan” for a man and “Pani” for a woman, and their surname. Do not use first names until invited to. Moving from the use of formal to the informal names is such an important step that there is a ritual to acknowledge the changed status and your inclusion in their ‘inner circle’. At parties or other social gatherings, your hosts will introduce you, usually starting with the women and then moving on to the men. A man gives way to a lady, he lets her walk first. A woman should walk on the right hand side of a man.

 

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a private home for dinner, be prepared to remove your shoes before entering (no holes in socks please!) it is usual to arrive around 8 pm and to stay until past midnight. It is considered to be polite to arrive about 15 minutes late to give the hostess time to prepare, but later than 15 minutes is considered bad manners and not good etiquette. Be sure to bring a small gift such as a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers for the hostess if you are dining in their home. It is also good etiquette to send a hand written card to your host and hostess thanking them for their invitation and time. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served. This is good manners. This will more often that not be turned down out of politeness. Do not ask for a tour of the house. Table manners are Continental, i.e. hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Wait for the hostess to invite you to start eating. Most meals are served family-style. Take small amounts of food initially so you can accept second helpings. Try a bit of everything. Expect frequent toasting throughout the meal. The host offers the first toast. Toasts are only made with hard liquor (generally vodka). You should reciprocate with your own toast later in the meal. Alcohol is served in small glasses so you can swallow in one gulp. The Poles are very conscious of practising good etiquette and are extremely goods hosts, the more you drink, the more they will offer, so if you cannot hold your liquor, know when to say no. In Polish etiquette, direct eye contact should be maintained, especially when toasting. Flicking a few fingers against the neck is not a rude gesture; it is simply an invitation from one male to another to join the person for a drink of vodka.

 

Dress Etiquette

Generally the business culture in Poland dislikes ostentatious displays of wealth. Mostly the dress is smart casual conservative. In the larger companies and banks conservative suits and ties in subdued colours are usually worn. Bright colours are considered inappropriate. Women's dress etiquette is to wear conservative suits or dresses, again bright colours should be avoided. The usual classical colours are worn, for example black, navy blue, grey, brown or beige. T-shits, sweatpants, shorts and runner shoes are not acceptable in the business or social world. Perfumes and aftershave should be used sparingly. Jewellery should never be ostentatious, elegant and modest is the key. To sum it up, Polish dress etiquette is conservative, respectable, elegant and modest.

 

 

Here are some general cultural norms :

1. On an international scale, the Polish etiquette would be considered formal. Mr and Mrs plus the family name is an absolute requirement when introductions are made. Always be on time, it is considered extreme bad manners and poor etiquette to keep people waiting. When departing, men shake hands with everyone individually.

2. Dining etiquette for tipping. A 10 percent tip is usually sufficient for restaurants. Restaurants usually have the 10 percent tip already included on the bill, but if you are unsure, ask if service is included.

3. Dining etiquette for paying the bill. Usually the one who does the inviting pays the bill, although the guest is expected to make an effort to pay. Sometimes other circumstances determine the payee (such as rank).