Silesia as a borderline. The specificity of life conditions of the population and their culture-created meaning
Abstract
Cultural tradition of Silesia is connected with its location at the meeting point of trade going from the east westward and from the north southward. A socio-political and economic situation of this region and settlement processes caused that the cultures of neighbouring countries and ethnic groups: Polish, German, Czech, Morawy permeated in this area from the Middle Ages forming the borderline culture. Life conditions in this region in the past were influenced by not only long-standing dependence on neighbouring countries (Prussia, Germany and Austria later on — till the beginning of the 20th century and then German Occupation till the half of the 20th century), but the development of coal mine ores and industry. The process of industrialization which covered especially Upper Silesia, the outskirts of Cieszyn and Opawa Silesia brought about a rapid development of technological civilization. Existential dependence of local and inflow population of physical work in coal mining and industry, and the necessity to getting accustomed to outside farm work caused the development of new categories of professional groups, a specific way and life style, formation of a new industrial culture. Ardousness of dangerous conditions, the need to provide for the everyday life and coresponsibility in the work place and family life resulted in deep religiousness, strength of social bond and sense of unique responsibility and awareness of family, local and regional identity. It all had not only a culture-created importance but contributed to the formation of personal features of Silesian population who have considered themselves as hard-working, well-organised, responsible and economical people till now. Contemporary cultural transformations in this region are connected not only with the phenomenon of culture globalization being popularized, but the necessity to restrict former coal mining and industry, regression of former sources of living. Tradition-maintained social culture and spiritual culture rooted in mentality of native population is however still a feature of the very population, its borderline culture constituting support for the awareness of the identity of people in Silesia.Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach Poland
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