Minority v subsytéme kultúry

were very important for the whole Silesian community. "Participation in religious practices has always been an indicator of thestrength of religious belief. The religious practices involved participating in mass, during which the community prayed for theirfamily and neighbours. It showed the strength of family ties and neighbourhood." (U. Swadźba, 2012, pp. 346-347). Silesianreligiosity is not only an individual practice, but it is also a connection with other people: members of the family, neighbours,etc.Religion also played a very important role in maintaining the family. People who were believers tried to follow the recommendationsof the Church in their personal and family life. As regards marriage and divorce, believers in Silesia treated marriageas a sacrament blessed by God that could not be destroyed. Religion was one of the most important values for all family membersin Silesia. "(...) the creed and traditional religious beliefs were a fundamental value of the Silesian community. This wasa result of the dangers of mining work. That is why miners prayed for help to St. Barbara to protect them from danger. Religiositywas closely connected with morality. It determined the rhythm of years, months and weeks."(U. Swadźba, 2008b, p. 7.) Religionwas also important for having and creating large families in Silesia. Religious Silesian families not only put themselves in thecare of patrons and cultivated tradition, but also followed the principles proclaimed by the church and its recommendations.Church holidays were celebrated with respect and tradition by religious Silesian families. Sunday was a special day because allmembers of the family went to mass and after this they ate a ceremonial dinner. Usually women went to the morning or eveningmass, while the men went at noon. While the men were at mass, the women prepared dinner. Other Church holidays werealso celebrated with all members of the family. They decorated churches, roadside shrines and houses together. That is why theChurch and the priests were very important for integrating Silesian families.As well as maintaining the traditional division of roles within Silesian families, there was a learned respect for the seniorswithin society. "Religiosity as a culturally specific form of the completion of the principles, values and religious norms are undoubtedlyvery deeply rooted in the structure of Polish society. (...). Religion strengthens the position of the family in the socialstructure and family commemorates the role of religion in society." (W. Świątkiewicz, 1992, p. 116). Religion and religiosity is animportant factor in defining Silesians as a people. It should be noted, however, that with the progress of civilization and changesin people’s mentality, more and more often there is a failure to participate in religious practices. This concerns, to a greater degree,the inhabitants of large cities. "In smaller towns, both women and men communicate their attitudes towards religious values tothe younger generations. In bigger cities, there is a high degree of non-participation of men in religious practices. More than halfno longer have contact with the institutional church." (U. Swadźba, 2012, p. 350). In small towns and villages a great importantanceis placed on religion and the participation in religious and church ceremonies. This in turn creates a sense of closeness forSilesians to their parish. Very often the everyday life of the residents takes place around the parish and church itself. It sets therhythm of the day with participation in daily mass and the rhythm of the month by volunteering their time to clean the church. Italso sets the rhythm of the year with preparations for the celebrations of various festivals; for example, preparation of the nativitybefore Christmas or the decorating of altars and streets for the feast of Corpus Christi. Parish Life has always, and continues tofocus on the community, especially in small towns and rural areas as they are more actively involved in its operation.Work...Work is without a doubt the third most important value upheld by Silesians. It is an integral part of life for every Silesian.Work is required to be done honestly and diligently every day. "Silesia, for a long time, was associated with the diligent andhard work that shaped the specific features of the Silesians, which in turn built their ethos. “(U. Swadźba, 2001, p. 7). Silesianstreated their jobs with respect and always maintained a positive attitude towards working. This was a very different attitudefrom that of the Polish nobility, whose was a far more reluctant attitude. “Jobs - especially physical work - was an integral partof a Silesian’s self-definition. It was a dominating value which was a basic for social ethos. (...). Work ethic consisted of integrity,honesty, diligence, respect for professional qualifications, solidarity and responsibility for others. The ability to cooperate andclear communication at professional levels were also features of the Silesian worker." (M. Błaszczak-Wacławik, 1990, p. 13). The141