„Dąbrowski’s Mazurek” is one of the most important songs in Polish history, which, after many years, became a symbol of the fight for independence. Although it became the national anthem only in 1926, its roots go back to 1797.

After the defeat of the Kościuszko Insurrection, Józef Wybicki was forced to leave Poland and went into exile. „Wybicki arrived in Reggio Emilia, where Jan Henryk Dąbrowski’s legions were stationed. There, influenced by the sight of Polish uniforms and a ceremony marking the city’s annexation to the Cisalpine Republic, he wrote the lyrics to the 'Song of the Polish Legions in Italy'” – says Dr. Andrzej Gładysz, an expert from KUL. The song was meant to boost the morale of the soldiers and remind them what they were fighting for.

The melody of „Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” is considered to be of folk origin or inspired by folklore. „Initially, it was attributed to Karol Kurpiński, but modern research points to its folk roots” – adds Gładysz. It quickly gained popularity among soldiers and also spread to the partitioned territories of Poland, becoming a patriotic anthem.

„Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” became a symbol not only during the wars but also in the interwar period. „After the outbreak of World War I, the song gained the status of an unofficial anthem, sung by both soldiers and civilians. After regaining independence in 1918, its significance grew even further” – says Dr. Gładysz.

It was only in 1926 that the song became the official national anthem. „The decision to recognize it as the anthem was made after a long discussion, considering other popular works like 'Rota’ and 'Boże, coś Polskę'” – notes the expert. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Public Education then announced that the anthem should be performed in schools according to the version established by the authorities.

KUL / Family News Service

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