Polskie ludowe obrzędy świąteczne z perspektywy teatrologicznej

The article brings an attempt at taking stock of and classifying Polish folk rituals related to yearly festivities as they may be accounted for from the point of view of theatrology. Its starting point is the author’s conception of theatrology that has not only the theatre but also other spectacles as its object, the conception that has been presented before. In accordance with this outlook, the folk rituals at issue are regarded as phenomena bearing characteristics of spectacles, performances and simulations. In effect, what emerges is an outline of a classification of the phenomena under discussion in relation to the varying degrees to which they display the elements of spectacularity, causality and simulation. It is also demonstrated that within the purview of theatrology may fall not only the phenomena perceived as spectacles and performances but also those in which the performative dimension is predominant. Finally, the reflection reveals an evolution of Polish folk rituals from their primitive causative character through spectacularity to simulations, which are only representations of old rituals.