Poland's Native Faith Revival: Searching for the Way “Home”

Home, in nearly every culture and identity, is the embodiment of something that makes us feel calm, comfortable, and happy. In other words, “home” is not just a physical place. It can also be an idea, an object, even a person, especially in a romantic sense. Sadly, although most people on Earth already have a house to live in, many of them still feel alienated, lonely, and unhappy.

For a small number of Polish citizens, the search for happiness is the same as the search for identity. Between 5,000 and 10,000 Poles believe that their true identity is not what was assigned to them at birth, particularly in spiritual terms. They are followers of the Slavic Native Faith (Rodzimowiercy, or Rodnovery, in Polish), who see a return to their ancestral beliefs as a way of “going home,” of realigning spirituality with everyday life that has been thrown into disorder by the pursuit of fleeting desires.

Although they are a minority, the Polish government has formally recognized their existence and granted them legal protection. The position of the Rodzimowiercy has grown stronger in recent years, especially with the election of Marcin Józefaciuk in the 2023 legislative elections. He is the only member of parliament with a Slavic Native Faith background. Known as a marathon runner, television presenter, and educator, Józefaciuk openly identifies himself as a Rodzimowiercy follower. 

Częstochowa spring in Poland. Source: wyborcza.pl

Not David vs. Goliath

Like many parts of the world where indigenous belief systems once flourished, Poland is rich in sacred springs and wells, numbering in the thousands. The Rodzimowiercy were among the first to “discover” these water sources. Similar to their Celtic neighbors, they honored the springs by offering ritual gifts.

Drawing on ancient knowledge shared across generations, both groups used these springs for healing in ways tailored to different needs. Bathing in pools fed by natural springs creates a deep sense of calm. A positive state of mind can stimulate the body’s cells and organs to function better, leading to improved health. This is my personal view, shaped by my own routine of swimming in a natural spring once a week since 2013. Incidentally, we once had a guest from Poland who experienced the freshness of the spring water around 2010.

The transition from indigenous belief systems to official religions brought many social dynamics, which is only natural in any society, including Poland. For example, the Czatachowa spring, located not far from Warsaw, is believed by locals to have strong ties to the Rodzimowiercy. Over time, however, it has been managed by the Polish Catholic Church. To access other springs also administered by the Church, some Rodzimowiercy have chosen to formally become Catholics. As a result, a small segment of Polish society sees them as holding two religions at once and practicing both simultaneously.

The Outcome Speaks for Itself

Beyond the various tensions surrounding the Rodzimowiercy in Poland today, what ultimately matters is the outcome. Relations between neighbors are not always harmonious, and the relationship between the Rodzimowiercy and their “neighbors” is no exception. Even so, it is important to note that the preservation and sustainability of Poland’s thousands of springs have remained largely unaffected by these minor frictions.

The protection of forests and green open spaces continues to be a shared concern between the two communities, both of which need a “home” to sustain their way of life.

As a result, nearly all the springs in Poland continue to flow, and people still visit them in search of healing for the illnesses they suffer. (dswas)