Laughing off stereotypical jokes and appreciating the stories my grandmother told me put me on my way to being proud and interested in my heritage. In order for one to know who they are and to respect themselves, I think it is necessary for them to understand what the culture of their nationality consists of. During my research I found things about Polish culture that built upon my already existing pride. The culture of Poland has been nurtured by a great variety of traditions. Due also to the fact that Poland is such a melting pot, outside traditions play a strong role in their culture.
European influences are particularly strong.
It is very common for someone who stems from a Polish background to share the same customs as other European counties. Unlike Russia, Poland was deeply immersed in all the great movements of Western culture such as humanism, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. Poland s cultural identity was already strong before the series of partitions of Polish territory began in 1772. The multi-cultural influence is explicated by an integration of the neighboring European countries. The compilation of the three hardships described in this quote allowed for the integration of other cultures to flourish and spread.