Thusday (17.06) was one of the oldest folk traditions; the Lajkonik procession!
Lajkonik is a Tatar horseman symbolising the Turks who attacked Krakow in 13th Century. He parades through the streets from a church courtyard to the Market Square accompanied by a folk orchestra and a colourful entourage of flag bearers.
Lajkonik is a Tatar horseman symbolising the Turks who attacked Krakow in 13th Century. He parades through the streets from a church courtyard to the Market Square accompanied by a folk orchestra and a colourful entourage of flag bearers.
Lajkonik in all his glory.
Attacking a huge red flag with Krakow's emblem on it, to symbolise the siege of Krakow. He eventually gets entangled in the flag as a symbol of his defeat.
Dancing with a little girl in a traditional Krakow outfit. People dress their children for the occasion.
The orchestra follows...
Lajkonik carries a large wooden mallet with which he hits people , bringing them happiness, prosperity and luck. I tried to get "hit" by Lajkonik, not once, not twice but three times! and he refused every time. I'm hoping this means he could see I was already happy, prosperous and lucky, otherwise I'm in trouble! The costume Lajkonik wears today was designed by Stanisław Wypiański, a highly regarded multitalented secessionist artist of all sorts (he designed theatre sets, stained glass windows, costumes, he was a writer, poet ... i tak dalej i tak dalej (and so on)).
A new contemporary art gallery has recently opened up on a sliver of land in the centre of Krakow (3.6m wide!) and incorporates several stained glass windows designed by Wypiański but created posthumously (2005??).
A new contemporary art gallery has recently opened up on a sliver of land in the centre of Krakow (3.6m wide!) and incorporates several stained glass windows designed by Wypiański but created posthumously (2005??).
The gallery, stainglass windows on the left wall.
There is also a museum dedicated to him which we have yet to visit.
The Franciscan Church (Gothic era) has an amazing Stanisław Wypiański stained glass window (1897) over the west end nave which strikes the fear of god into you- even for an unbeliever! the walls are adorned with polychrome floral motif paintings.
XIX century stainglass in a mediaeval church.
Close up.
Polychromy by Wyspianski.
3 comments:
Excellent bunch of shots. So how the hell did the Tartar's go with their attack on Krakow? Suspecting the stunned Poles woulda fell down laughing. Any historical evidence that they had followers clacking 2 empty coconut shells together?
And don't worry about that god fella Leece; he's full of piss and wind and only prevails because think he wields power - much the same as politicians.
Is it a hobby horse, or full-time? There are a few ritual animal disguises used in England a bit like that one, and are thought to have a pagan tradition underlying, but the Turks attacking Europe must have been a bit scary all over... perhaps the tradition spread after the invasion. Hey looks like you guys are having fun, eat a perogi for me! Did you hear what killed Michael Jackson.. apparently they blame it on the boogie...
Getting ready for the wedding... busy busy... lots a good cheer you gypsies
Geoff
It's not full time, just a once a year affair.
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