Godzinki

Godzinki is a Polish term meaning "Hours" and is used in several related but distinct contexts within Polish religious and literary culture. Most commonly, it denotes the set of prayers known as the canonical hours in the Catholic tradition, observed at specific times of the day as part of the Liturgy of the Hours. In Polish practice, the prayers are associated with the daily cycle of devotion and are frequently prayed in community settings as well as private devotion.

In Polish literature and devotional culture, Godzinki also refers to a family of works bearing the same title. The most notable instance is an anonymous devotional poem from the late Middle Ages, often titled Godzinki o świętych (Hours about the Saints). This text is among the earliest surviving examples of Polish-language religious poetry and played a significant role in the development of Polish literary culture. Its authorship is uncertain, and it has been studied for its linguistic, theological, and historical significance.

Over time, the term Godzinki has appeared in other cultural productions and scholarly discussions related to Polish religious practice and literature. While the liturgical usage continues in some communities, the literary references to Godzinki remain an important marker of medieval Polish devotional writing and the early formation of Polish national literature.