The Polish Doll: An Item To Be Treasured For All Ages

By Dolores Beaver

A generation ago, Nest 118, Pittsburgh, Pa., held a Polish Mart during the Christmas holidays at the old Falcon Hall located in Pittsburgh’s South Side. It was a very festive time with piano entertainment during dinner; youth members in Polish costumes served the guests.

The ladies’ booths were laden with their year-long handiwork, such as Christmas ornaments, knitted shawls and scarfs, aprons, crocheted, and handkerchiefs.

Traditionally, there was “the doll.” One of the ladies meticulously dressed a doll in a Polish costume to be raffled. It was beautiful with a wreath of flowers and ribbons in her braided hair, embroidered blouse and apron, beaded vest, underskirts trimmed in lace, and red boots. How all of us hoped to win that doll!

A variety of Polish dolls are displayed and available for sale at the annual Polish Fest held at the University of Pittsburgh every year (this year the event will be held November 12). It is interesting to note that the style of dress denotes the region of origin, such as Krakow, Rzeszow, etc. (Because of their varied programs, it is interesting to note that the renowned Mazowsze dance ensemble will change costumes several times during a performance.)

A Polish nationality doll is a wonderful gift for a child to receive and cherish for a lifetime. (I have a boy and girl doll from the Lowicz region.)