„A w niedzielę po obiedzie chodził Pan Bóg po tym świecie” – o wizerunku Boga w mazurskich pieśniach ludowych

Abstract

The article is an attempt to present the picture of God contained in texts of folk songs from Masuria. The analysis of art pieces collected by Oskar Kolberg confirmed, that image of God is complex and ambiguous and is far different from the stereotype firmly present in common Polish culture. Folk texts expose God’s attributes like omniscience, omnipotence. In God’s power is especially to decide about men mundane existence and most of all to lead men and women relations. Nevertheless important feature is justice, related to God’s personality of a Judge – a steward of sanctions and mercy tai lored to the needs of the folk. The picture of a God is strictly connected with concerns of the people, its needs, aspirations and its specific opinions. The God is close to man, is his guardian, instance where man addresses its requests, regrets and words of worship. This is a god, that people trust and let it decide in most important life matters.