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Character of the Kashubian

The character of the Kashubians is complicated. They think that the Prussian captivity and the Baltic Sea have made their characters stronger and hard. They are taciturn and hard-working but usually more defensive than offensive.

kashubian dance

If a Kashubian says something, he says what he thinks openly, he avoids the diplomacy. They are restrained, honest and polite, but not too much. They do not like when somebody tries to impose their will, they can even be obstinate. The Kashubians sometimes do not understand jokes so their reaction can be violent.If they are offended they could be angry or even hate the person who affronted them - they always remember that.

The difference between the Kashubian and other people is good organization skills and responsibility for the group or themselves. Their reliability in their work and solidarity are the results of their religiosity. It cause almost model family life, fondness of home and devotion to their fields which symbolise their motherland. It has its disadvantages because it is connected with a defensive complex, being closed in their small society and thinking that obstinacy is chastity. It was an advantage in the Prussian captivity but today it brakes their development.

They are usually not assertive but suspicious and distrustful when they meet somebody who is a stranger and recognition can last for a long time. L. Będkowski wrote in 'The characteristic of Pomeranians' (Scotland 1941),'The Pomeranians' nature is not artistry'. He was right because no artist has been born here, who would be semoriable in the world of Polish art. Their inclinations to literature are weak but they can value real beauty and they are sensitive to it. There are some local mentors like Majkowski but even he did not manage to triumph. They are practical people so their interests concentrate on mathematical skills, in well-paid occupations. They are good in them. The things, which were typical in the past, are rare today.

children in kashubian clothes

The world is changing so they are not like years ago. Some features have been forgotten, some saved. Even obstinacy is not popular and it appears only in some individuals.

Copyright © 2003 by Danny