Polish American Culture

There are an estimated 10 million Americans of Polish descent. Cultural contributions of Polish Americans extend from Polish dance classes, Polish newspapers, like Dziennik Zwiazkowy in Chicago or Nowy Dziernnik in New York, several TV stations and culture groups like the White Eagle Lodge and Polish Falcons of America to the wider appeal of Polish foods such as kiełbasa (Polish sausage) or pierogi. Even in long-integrated communities, remnants of Polish culture and vocabulary remain. Roman Catholic churches in Polish American communities often serve as a vehicle for cultural retention.

The Polish wedding, still very important in Poland, was often during the 1950s-1970s an all day event. Polish weddings of this time in Chicagoland, in places such as the southeast side of Chicago, inner suburbs like Calumet City, and Hegewisch, and northwest Indiana suburbs such as Whiting, Hammond, and East Chicago, always occurred on Saturdays, and typically occurred in a large hall such as a VFW Hall. A polka band of drums, singer, accordion, and trumpet entertained the people as they danced traditional dances such as the oberek, "Polish Hop," and the waltz. Always an important part of Slavic culture, food played a very important role. The musicians as well as the guests were expected to enjoy ample amounts of both food and drink. Foods such as Polish Sausage, sauerkraut, pierogi, and kluski were common foods. Common drinks were either beer, screwdrivers, or "High-Balls."

The Polish community was long the subject of Anti-Polonism in America. Much of it was associated with a more generalized Anti-Catholicism and distrust of Eastern European arrivals in general. This has become less common recently. There are however some instances of Anti-Polonism still occurring in America.