Metallurgy traditions on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

This honour is a result of months-worth of work, with efforts also on the part of the AGH University. The activity of the broadly defined group of depositors, i.e. institutions, entities, and individuals cultivating these traditions, were coordinated by the Metallurgical Museum in Chorzów. It is thanks to this cooperation that a catalogue of metallurgy traditions from five regions could be developed. It encompasses the following elements: traditions related to the celebration of Metallurgist’s Day (including ceremonial marches, masses for the intentions of the brotherhood, ceremonies honouring jubilations, march, feasts), formal and informal education, their sociolect, musical culture - including metallurgy orchestras or singing traditions, the spiritual sphere related to the cult of St. Florian, uniforms or symbols such as the flag or emblem.

They all constitute an important part in the legacy of the industrial revolution and it is difficult to understand the last 250 years of our history without them. For many years, in many parts of the country, metallurgy-related universities, trade unions, and plants have consistently made efforts to nurture the metallurgical tradition and protect it from oblivion, but despite this fact, the heritage of generations of  metallurgists has long been scattered and remained in the shadows. Being included on the List in the company of over 90 of the most important traditions cultivated in Poland only confirms and highlights its contribution to the national cultural legacy.