Reflections on Our Upcoming Workshop: Discovering the Culture and People of Poland

It is an exciting opportunity to share this personal article by a TTIT Trainee on our website. In the article, Katarzyna Domagała shares what contributed to her fascination with Poland. She explores historical glimpses of Polish culture and traditions and compares her experiences gained in Poland with those gained in other countries. 

As we prepare for our upcoming Polish culture workshop, this article perfectly introduces the themes and topics we’ll be exploring. We hope you enjoy this captivating read and find inspiration for our workshop! 

When I was 30, I moved with my husband to Hong Kong. This was my first time in Asia and my first time so far from home. As an interculturalist, I knew what to expect—I had heard about the stages of culture shock. I was even anticipating it. However, to my surprise, my culture shock was not about the local culture but my Polish culture. Although I quickly adapted to the rules and regulations, I was astonished by how different Polish people and their habits are.

We had many guests from Poland (who wouldn’t want free accommodation in one of the most expensive cities in the world?). They all asked and wondered about the same things. Public transportation in Hong Kong operates similarly to that in the UK—if you board a bus or a tram, you do so through the front door, pay the fare, and exit through the other doors. This puzzled many Polish friends: “But can’t anyone just board without paying?” they asked. “Yes, but why would they do that?” I replied, equally puzzled. “There are rules, and most people obey them. If they don’t, it’s just cheating.” “No, it’s outsmarting the system,” my friends said.

Cheating, not obeying the rules, outsmarting the system—whatever you call it, is often seen as a Polish national trait. If someone cheats on an exam, exceeds the speed limit, or avoids paying for public transportation, they are often seen as smart, witty, or creative—never as wrong.

One reason for this can be found in Poland’s history, where laws were often imposed by foreign powers rather than Polish authorities. From the late 18th century, Poland was partitioned by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, erasing it from the map until after World War I. During these partitions, Polish people often resisted the foreign laws imposed by the occupying powers. The struggle to preserve Polish culture, language, and identity against external rule fostered a tradition of defiance against imposed regulations and a spirit of non-compliance as a form of patriotic resistance. This resistance was not merely symbolic but included organized underground activities, cultural preservation efforts, and acts of civil disobedience.

History from those times is rich with examples of people creatively defying the law. For instance, Michał Drzymała became a Polish folk hero because he bought a circus wagon and turned it into his home after being denied permission to build a house on his land. At the time, Prussian law considered any dwelling a house if it remained stationary for more than 24 hours. Drzymała exploited this law by moving the wagon each day, thus preventing the Prussians from penalizing him.

In the 20th century, Poland’s experience under Nazi and Soviet occupation during and after World War II further deepened this ingrained scepticism towards authority. The brutalities of these regimes, followed by decades of Communist rule with its strict controls and limited freedoms, reinforced a general distrust of officialdom. The imposition of martial law in 1981 to crush the Solidarity movement—a major anti-Communist union and social movement—exemplified the oppressive nature of Communist rule. In response, Poles often engaged in informal networks and covert resistance to navigate and survive the repressive political environment. This historical legacy of subverting foreign and authoritarian control has contributed to a cultural tendency to question and sometimes circumvent official rules and regulations, even in contemporary times.

My time in Hong Kong helped me understand my Polish heritage better and made me aware of the enduring influence of historical events on Polish attitudes. It illuminated how a nation’s past can shape collective behaviour, fostering a unique perspective on what is considered smart or resourceful. As I navigated my new environment, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of my cultural identity. I do not consider this attitude to be inherently good or bad. I believe that any national trait has both positive and negative aspects. For example, while we may not always strictly follow the rules, we are critical of them and do not obey them blindly.

          Katarzyna Domagała

Joining the workshop

Beyond pierogi. What to expect when working with Polish people.