Poland’s Polonaise, this beautiful traditional dance, was enshrined in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Tuesday, 5 December. This happened on the occasion of the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana. 

As TVP World reports, the Polonaise became the sixth Polish tradition to receive this honour, after Kraków’s nativity scene tradition (2018), beekeeping culture (2020), falconry (2021), the tradition of floral carpets for Corpus Christi processions (2021), and rafting (2022).

The origins of the Polonaise date back to the 16th century. The name Polonez was used from the 18th century onward, after having been referred to as Chodzony (“the walking dance”) for about two centuries. Its name is the French word for the feminine adjective „Polish” adjective also meaning “Polish woman” or “Polish girl”. 

The Polonaise remains a popular dance until this day. It is the opening dance in every major official ball and event, including New Year’s balls, national holidays, and elegant New Year’s Eve parties, among others. The Polonaise is the first (and most impressive) element of any studniówka („student ball”), which takes place around 100 days before exams for high school students.

For anyone wanting to have a grasp of Poland’s historical legacy, culture, and heritage, the Polonaise is an absolute must-see.

Image: X (@PLinUNESCO

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen