2013, No. 1 (4), On Representation

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Anna Nadolska
Alternative Forms of Representation of Polish History: the Case of Licheń

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Keywords: national identity, representation of the past, collective memory, ‘culture of a folk type’, experience about the past.

Abstract:
This article examines the main features historical representations of Lichen, conveyed by the inscriptions, often with their very emotional rhetoric, paintings, sculptures and other visual cultures. They are situated in the Sanctuary of “Our Lady of Sorrows” in Licheń Stary - one of the most popular tourist destinations and religious pilgrimage sites in Poland. The message contained in the Licheńn historical representation reflects the common national myths, such as the “undisputable” connection between the Polish people and Catholicism, the Holy Mother’s “special protectorate” over the Polish nation, the Messianic ideas and heroism, the glory and sacrifice that Polish patriots experienced when they had to fight for Poland’s independence in the 19th century and after the WWII, when our country was under communist domination. The very strong connection between the Catholic faith and Polish history is a characteristic of the ‘culture of a folk type’. I take under consideration in what ways this kind of culture influences the view of our past. I will also analyse the form of the Licheń art, because in spite of being often described as daub, it is able to cause something that Ankersmit calls “experience about the past”. I consider the reasons why this kind of experience, which is both traumatic and nostalgic at the same time, is so attractive and convincing for the almost two million pilgrims who visit this place every year.

About Author:
NADOLSKA ANNA - PhD student of History, Maria Curie – Skłodowska University in Lublin.