For those who already know me, and had a chance to read my previous post, this story might not be a big surprise. Still, however, I hope you will find it interesting, a little bit inspiring, and fun. π π― π
Learning Through Storytelling. Simply the Same but Always Different.
Encouraged by some Steemians, actively engaged with what I've already done before (and a big thank you to all for your kind words π ) - I've decided, at least for a while, to continue witting about topics related to Poland, my motherland. And I promise that each tale is going to be different. Fresh and compelling in its very unique way. Even though we can expect various levels of involvement obtained by each story, I aim to make this simple collection of clever tales full of cultural narratives, real-time updates, funny facts, and my personal memories. All to create a real-world connection with your mind through unique details, dedication and relevance. So that you could get engaged more, and truly care about what you are reading about. In your own, sincere, and meaningful way.
π‘ For those of you, however, who are reading me for the very first time, and hopefully - not the last one, let me quote something from "Once upon a time ..." - my previous post, to call-out a piece which I believe became my motto anyway:
'this tale is for you - the extraordinary story of an unknown country, located somewhere in central-eastern Europe'. (...) so you could capture much of the Polish spirit, get inspired and ... still, who knows one day - maybe, see you, somewhere there ... In Poland. "
And now, both groups, please - read on and get ready for a surprise.
Where Are You From?
Did you ever think what is the real intention hidden behind this question? Or how often you hear it, from whom, and in what kind of situations... Done? ... Great. So now, try to imagine which feelings it evolves, and how much in details do you usually formulate your answer with?
π€ Difficult? So maybe I could tell you a bit of my own experience now:
β’ How often? Quite. Usually being somewhere abroad, or simply meeting other foreigners around. Which especially now, when I am living in Vienna, is one of the most frequent things to experience while talking to somebody for the very first time.
β’ How do I feel about it? Well... personally, I believe that most of us are asking this questions out of curiosity. Or simply to find some connection - extra facts to continue the conversation, based on some already shared knowledge and experience.
β’ And what is my response to it? Depends. But if I really care, and think we can talk deeper, usually my answer would be: "I am originally from Poland". Why originally? Because I want to emphasize that it is from the very beginning, from my birth, but still want to suggest extra that during my lifetime I might have been staying in a few different locations as well. So that - even though I am Polish, I also feel European, and sure - inspired by other countries and cultures.
β€ π And now to the main point: Why do you think, I asked you to think about your origin? And why am I talking about Poland so much, though the title of this tale mentions a mysterious name as 'Lechia'? Well. Simply because I want to shed light on something you may already feel familiar with - i.e. names and conventions. Officially accepted and actually repeated so much that we barely care about their backgrounds. Why should we? They are just simple words, anyway used by everyone else - ordinary, nothing special... Or maybe that should not be the case. Hmm?
So, How to Say Poland in Different Languages?
Polska, Polen, Puola, Pologne, Poland, Polonia, Polija β All sounds quite similar, right? β So how about: Lenkija, Lehistan, Lahestan, or Lengyel?
Well, this completely new group is, indeed, still referring to this one, and the very same country, as discussed above - Poland.
And that's how the story of "... the Forgotten Kingdom of Lechia" starts. β Check this out!
The Alternate/old Name of Poland and The Oldest Settlement of the Central-Europe
Many sources claim that the official name of Poland (eng.), or originally π΅π± Polska (pl.), as it operates now - originates from the old pagan tribe called Polanie, which literally means βpeople living in open fieldsβ. And that is also the knowledge that most of us, Polish people themselves believe in. Yet, not many know that all stories talking about Polans, Polabians or Poles (West Slavic People) appeared for the first time in medieval chronicles just around 10 centuries ago, so sources usually 'crafted' by let's call it - 'Christian writers'. And, same as this story is not fully true, this commonly used 'label' name as Polska wasnβt always the case.
Before the 10th century β, so until the adoption of Christianity (966 Polish Baptism) Poland was actually called Lechia. And even today, some countries are using a name based on that original pattern, root (so you could see above in those few given examples). Simply said, long, long time ago, already in the ancient times a territory including of what we know as Poland these days - was called Lachia (the land of Lords). And still now - for example, Ukrainians are calling us Lach, Persians and Arabs - Lahestan, and Hungarians - Lengyel, a combination of two words: Lech and Angyel (i.e. Lord and Angel).
The Lechist empire consisting of many Slavic tribes, indeed, was including Polans (that old tribe which a modern history claims Poland comes from), but not as the only group living on that lands. Also, many chronicles before and still after the 10th century show that we've been calling ourselves 'Lechites' or 'Lach' since the very earliest times. So sadly to mention the fact that these days our beautiful and mysterious 'Kingdom of Lechia' is seen as nothing more than a legend.
The settlement of the Slavs, including mainly the Lechist, started already 10,000 years ago. And, of course, please do get me wrong, I do not want to call the whole Slavic community as Poles. Just want to put your attention to this very old part of a history - unknown, and sadly forgotten even by ourselves.
π For those of you who are interested in learning more, even online, or maybe one day would like to explore these things live - I truly recommend checking Biskupin, the oldest European ancient settlement, located in Central - West Poland (Kujawsko-Pomorskie region).
And even though discovered just in the 1930s, this very unique settlement was established already about 2,700 years ago. In addition to the museum itself presenting rich excavations, you can fully experience the open reserve and the entire settlement as it is (rebuild before and after WWII), consisting of various buildings as cottages, common houses and outbuildings. All together called 'Skansen' (pl.)
βͺ Below you will find a few pictures of Biskupin, best of which I actually found online (sources provided as well). π
So hopefully they will help you taste this place a bit more than from my story itself. And maybe to think broader about the history of Poland - more than just 'some castles', you might have already heard about anyway. If you liked it enough you could start your own research now, or even plan your Polish trips, in the future.
But still, before you move to see these pictures below, please think deeper, and try to check a history of your country as well. Not necessarily just this one taught at schools, but generally the entire heritage of your ancestors.
Indeed, who we are and how little we actually know about ourselves is a key to understand oneself and others. Cultural diversity, self-awareness and respect for other cultures. Always and ever - do not forget!
source: muzeum archeologiczne w biskupinie biskupin
Hope you've enjoyed this trip. Looking forward to hearing back from you.
I would also appreciate it if you kindly give me some feedback on this post.