Unique Christmas tradition from south Poland

Zywiec Grandfathers (also called Jukace or Jukoce) is a folk tradition of Zywiec region. The rite starts in the evening of New Year’s Eve and ends in New Year’s afternoon. While walking from house to house, participants sing carols combined with New Year’s greetings and do pranks. They collect fees, such as a piece of Christmas cake, a shot of vodka or mostly small amount of money.

Zywiec grandfather’s mask is usually a piece of sheep fleece, with cut-out holes for eyes and mouth. jukacy’s also wear a hat on their heads. Other attributes of  are bells strapped to their belts and a whip. The effect of slamming whip, is like the shot of a gun.

Group of jukacy counts a dozen, up to several dozen people. There is a kind of hierarchy among jukacy. The company is only one, and any competition is not an option. At the head of the company there is a cashier. He differs from others by wearing a red dress and has a few  beaters that help him. The next in the hierarchy are: grandfather, chimney sweep, devil and woman.

All the characters are played by men, women have never been able to participate in these ceremonies. Unfortunately, this beautiful practice fades away, year by year.

Source: zywiec.turystyka.pl

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