W LABIRYNCIE TRADYCJI, CZYLI RZECZ O ŹRÓDŁACH INWENCJI STAROPOLSKICH TWÓRCÓW GENETLIAKONÓW

Abstract

The article was devoted to selected Old Polish genetliacons, created by important poets of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries (including Daniel Naborowski, Kasper Miaskowski, Andrzej Trzecieski and Andrzej Zbylitowski). The subject of the study was primarily the sources of their poetic invention, links with literary and rhetorical traditions and conventions of the era. Analysis of selected poetic works showed their deep roots in both Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian and folk traditions. Andrzej Zbylitowski, educated on old models and following the ancient formula of do ut des, intentionally directed it to potential patrons with whom he wanted to enter into client relationships. In works exposing the gift of life, “children’s offspring” were presented as supports and decorations of the family, intended to bring it glory and the desired “eternity of the name”, as well as prognoses about the child’s future, often referring to astrology and fortune-telling, and ancient reminiscences. The mentioned genetliacons, written to commemorate private anniversaries, often addressed to well-known people representing noble families, on the one hand were maintained in a strongly conventionalized tone of modus gravis and the “old style” of client poetry, written for powerful patrons and benefactors, while on the other hand one can also see in them expressions of sincere, authentic sympathy and close relationships. Topics related to baptismal celebrations were also used by Kasper Miaskowski in genetliacons written for his godchildren One can also notice the adaptation and contamination of individual elements concerning issues of custom and worldview: starting from fragments of Christian liturgy and rituals, to the presence of relics of pagan beliefs and practices: belief in divination, prophecies, superstitions, the power of magical gestures and rituals. Attention is also drawn to the syncretism of the classical and biblical tradition, the use of motifs, patterns and examples of ancient provenance, as well as references to the Czarnolas tradition, in order to illustrate the expressed content.