Celebrating Polish American Identity

Abstract

Polish Americans celebrate their ethnic identity in myriad ways, including Pączki Day celebrations, Dyngus Day parties, kolędy singalongs, and dance and other performances. These types of events are examined in the context of theories of ethnicity persistence and dissipation, as well as through the lens of invented traditions. Results of a survey of 409 event participants are presented, which reveal that participants believe strongly in preserving Polish and Polish American culture, as well as the need for authenticity in these events. The role of food, drink, and polka music is examined, and distinctions are drawn among the various events based in part on the sponsoring organizations. Analysis is offered of differences between Polish American and non-Polish American participants, and some tentative thoughts are offered about the responses of various cohorts of Polish Americans. While for most Polish Americans, ethnic identity has become largely symbolic, it still can have consequences that go beyond mere celebration. A theory of latent ethnicity is presented, which argues that these events maintain ethnicity symbolically, and that Polish American ethnicity can then be awakened in everyday life, particularly during presidential elections.