Cultural Differences Between Poland and England
Culture may have its sources in different aspects of human life, as: language, nationality, education, profession, group, religion, family, social class, corporate culture. All these elements influence every member of a society and thus, culture is learnt and transmitted to others.
Differences between people within any given nation or culture are much greater than differences between groups. Polish people and British, although have a lot of common in terms of historical inheritance, they vary in many aspects of social life and these differences naturally affect the behaviour and culture.
Much of the differences in culture have to do with superstitions. Many of today’s traditions and superstitions date back thousands of years. It is surprising how many of these were originally to ward off evil spirits, as well to enhance good luck, fertility and prosperity.
For example, bielief that black cat crossing your path can affect your luck goes far back in time. In Poland, it is considered unlucky to see the black cat crossing the road and it is probably because of the fact that the black cat was supposed to be a witch in disguise, or some kind of spy or helper for her. It may therefore have been imagined to possess the same magical abilty to cause harm.
Conversly, in England the black cat is considered to be something lucky. There is a story about King Charles the first of England who owned a black cat and whom he valued very much. He treasured the cat so much that he had his guards watch over it twenty-four hours a day. Coincidentally the cat died the very day before Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary troops came and arrested the king. Shortly after, King Charles was taken to the scaffold and beheaded. Nowadys, black Cats are featured on many good luck greetings cards and birthday cards in England.
Other interesting superstitions are connected with wedding. According to the one of the most popular wedding superstition in Poland, the best month to get married has to have
Differences between people within any given nation or culture are much greater than differences between groups. Polish people and British, although have a lot of common in terms of historical inheritance, they vary in many aspects of social life and these differences naturally affect the behaviour and culture.
Much of the differences in culture have to do with superstitions. Many of today’s traditions and superstitions date back thousands of years. It is surprising how many of these were originally to ward off evil spirits, as well to enhance good luck, fertility and prosperity.
For example, bielief that black cat crossing your path can affect your luck goes far back in time. In Poland, it is considered unlucky to see the black cat crossing the road and it is probably because of the fact that the black cat was supposed to be a witch in disguise, or some kind of spy or helper for her. It may therefore have been imagined to possess the same magical abilty to cause harm.
Conversly, in England the black cat is considered to be something lucky. There is a story about King Charles the first of England who owned a black cat and whom he valued very much. He treasured the cat so much that he had his guards watch over it twenty-four hours a day. Coincidentally the cat died the very day before Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary troops came and arrested the king. Shortly after, King Charles was taken to the scaffold and beheaded. Nowadys, black Cats are featured on many good luck greetings cards and birthday cards in England.
Other interesting superstitions are connected with wedding. According to the one of the most popular wedding superstition in Poland, the best month to get married has to have