Roadside thing in Poland ~ what is this, please?

In Izabelin village there is this interesting thing by the roadside.

Can anyone tell me what this might be?

Thanks

Helena

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I don't know what that one is, but I have noticed that in the south of poland, dozens of peasants worship these little catholic idols at the side of the road, talking to them, praying to them, lighting candles to them, and giving, what appears to be some kind of charm or sacrifice to appease the idols.

I never saw anything like this in Europe!!!

You can still find some in Bavaria in rural regions .

There are much nicer ones than that in the picture. A long tradition and the ones of Mary are a focus for veneration during May. Not unique to Poland but particularly popular there.

Oh, come on, even small countries like Poland can boast of sth unique that doesn`t exist anywhere else!

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The peasants are very superstitious people.
They were kept in the dark by the Church with these superstitions for centuries so the Church could keep control over them.
Even though the Bible says not to worship idols they do it in fear from what has been instilled in them.

yes, they still kiss priests on their hands.

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like .... LADIES?????

Yes, of course. Last year a bishop came to our village in summer and many old peasants kissed him on the hand. And women too. I kissed such hands many times, too. But last year the queue was too long so I gave up.

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Since when do women kiss ladies' hands?

I guess they wear dresses, so priests are honorary ladies?

I'm confused.
Why would anyone kiss the hand of a preacher or pray to a statue ?
That blonde babe sure has beautiful hair though.
I have visions of her undoing that ponytail of hers.
Do you know who she is Pawian ?

She was a pilgrim who passed through our village going to Częstochowa. Accidentally, those pilgrims ran into an archbishop. Why? Jonnhy, she is not for you.

No one have to kiss the hand of a preacher. You have to kiss a Bishop's ring. No more and no less.

Of course it isn`t an obligation. Has never been. Where did we say it was?

I want to know who starts this hocus-pocus brainwashing.
Can anyone show me the chapter and verse that says otherwise ?


You're just saying that. ;-)

It started in serfdom times when the village owner and the priest were gods for local peasants.

That's how they controlled the people back then, with FEAR and Shame !
It seems in this day and age people would come to the conclusion that there is only 'One God' and that the ONLY WAY to get to heaven is through Jesus Christ Himself as we are saved by grace and grace alone (the shed blood), not by some mortal man that puts his pants on just like you and I do.

;... you put on pants?

if we are saved by grace then it doesn't matter what you think or do in your life or what decisions you make, and either grace is bestowed upon all or some people receive it and some not - do you think it makes sense, johnny?

This roadside shrine is pretty unique...

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Not true, you must accept the Lord as your personal Savior, ask for forgiveness and not repeat your sins.
Didn't you learn this in Catholic school ?
If not, start attending church where they teach you this.

A man turned into the wood as a penalty for his sins??

I have heard of turning into salt but never wood. :-/

You could carve his twin on the back and Ziobro and Macierwicz on the sides and make a particularly macabre Swiatowid...

This is Poland, anything may happen here, remember. :):)