BIRTH RITUALS IN UPPER SILESIA

Agnieszka Pieńczak's publication is a fascinating journey into the world of ancient beliefs and customs related to births in Upper Silesia. Based on rich ethnographic material, the author comparatively analyzes two important ethnological atlases: the Polish Ethnographic Atlas (PAE) and the Atlas der deutschen Volkskunde (ADV). This makes it possible to show the extent of various cultural phenomena in a broad European context, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the factors influencing the cultural diversity of these areas.

• Comparative analysis of two ethnological atlases
• Detailed study of birth rituals in Upper Silesia
• Showing the extent of cultural phenomena in a European context
• Conclusions about the factors influencing cultural diversity
• Presentation of isolation bans applied to women after childbirth
• Critical treatment of the atlas material as a basis for drawing conclusions about cultural changes

Agnieszka Pieńczak's work is distinguished by a scrupulous comparative analysis and attention to the chronology of the studied phenomena. The text is richly illustrated with maps, diagrams and tables, which perfectly illustrate the issues discussed. The author takes into account the ethnic and historical specificity of the studied areas, which proves her erudition and excellent knowledge of the culture of Upper Silesia.

A great advantage of the publication is the innovative approach to the atlas material. The author has recreated many maps, which are an authentic scientific achievement. This work is a valuable contribution to research on folk culture and birth rituals in Central Europe.

This book is a must-read for ethnologists, cultural historians, regionalists and all those interested in ancient customs and beliefs related to births. Thanks to it, one can better understand the richness and diversity of the folk culture of Upper Silesia and its place in the European context.

The publication of the University of Silesia Publishing House is a guarantee of high quality and scientific reliability. The hardcover and careful edition make this book an ornament to any library.

Agnieszka Pieńczak, Birth Rituals in Upper Silesia, University of Silesia Publishing House, Katowice 2016, pp. 240, format 304x218 mm, hardcover.