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December 24, 2015

2144 POLAND (Silesia) - Miners from Nikiszowiec in traditional costume


Now part of a district of Katowice, Nikiszowiec (German: Nikischschacht) was initially coal miners' settlement of Giesche mine, built on the land of Gieschewald manor (Giszowiec) between 1908-1918. Miners' profession was always considered dangerous but prestigious, therefore the Miners' Day (called Barbórka) was celebrated for centuries in a spectacular way. The name of the feast originate of course from Saint Barbara (December 4th) as a patron.

Miners are dressed in the special uniforms during Barbórka. The uniform consists of black suit and hat with a feather. The color of the feather (white, red or black) depends on the rank of the miner. Miners wear their decorative uniforms not only during Barbórka, but also for weddings, funerals and other important political or social ceremonies.

About the stamps


The stamp is part of the series Christmas 2015 (Boże Narodzenie 2015) issued  on November 17, 2015. Designed by Maciej Jędrysik, this series is featuring the origins of this Christian celebration associated to the birth of Jesus Christ.
• The nativity scene in Bethlehem, in the presence of Mary and Joseph (1.75 PLN) - It's on the postcard 2144
• The encounter between Mary and the angel Gabriel (2.35 PLN)
• The Three Wise Men with Mary, Joseph and Jesus, with their gifts (5.20 PLN) - It's on the postcard 2146


The second, designed by Jacek Konarzewski, was issued on August 26, 2015 under the name Optimist World Championship. The last stamp, depicting Jerzy Pichelski (1903-1963), is part of the series Actors, issued on October, 23, 2015.

References
Barbórka, Miners' Day (St. Barbara Day), December 4th - Polish Culture

Sender: Krystyna Betiuk (direct swap)
Sent from Słupsk (Pomerania / Poland), on 14.12.2015
Photo: Marius Cieszewsky

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