File: gwiazdor i gwiazdka.jpg (274 KB, 1200x1599)

274 KB JPG

(Youtube version with graphics and audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq4s5fQZDW4 )

All over the world (or at least where Christianity or capitalism has spread) on Christmas, some fairy-tale character brings gifts to children. In the vast majority of places, it is Santa Claus. Poland is no exception here - or at least most of its territory. However, there are regions where a different character reigns - specifically in the Poznań region, the Lubusz region, Kujawy and Warmia (specifically in those parts of them that were under the Prussian partition), Kashubia and Kociewie, and the Bydgoszcz region. This giftgiver is known as Gwiazdor (which means “Starman”, “Man of Stars”).

Nowadays, very often his disguise looks identical to Santa's, leaving only the name as a distinguishing factor. But its traditional appearance is slightly different and quite specific. Traditionally the person portraying the Gwiazdor wears a mask or has his face smeared with soot (we warn Western readers - there is no reason to believe that it has anything to do with blackface, there is not the slightest suggestion that the Gwiazdor has anything to do with Africa). He is dressed in either a sheepskin coat or clothing made of tar. Sometimes he is accompanied by a female figure, called Gwiazdka (“Little Star”) - she, in turn, traditionally has her face covered with a veil or simply a piece of cloth.

Sorry, character limits, rest of the text is available in the free brochure: https://adeptus7.itch.io/lovecraftian-inspirations-from-real-life-and-beliefs