pojmowani

Pojmowani refers to a traditional Polish folk practice involving the symbolic binding or "tying" of negative emotions, curses, or misfortunes to an object, animal, or even a person, with the intention of transferring them away. The term originates from the verb *pojmować*, meaning "to take hold of" or "to capture," reflecting the act of literally or metaphorically capturing and removing harmful influences.

The practice often involves rituals such as tying knots in cloth, binding objects with string, or even symbolic "capturing" of spirits or curses through specific chants or gestures. In rural Polish culture, pojmowani was sometimes used to protect against evil eye (*zły oczar*), ward off illness, or resolve personal conflicts. It was believed that by physically representing the negative force—such as in a doll or effigy—and then releasing it into nature (e.g., by burning, burying, or floating it on water), the harm could be neutralized.

While pojmowani shares similarities with other folk traditions like *effigy burning* or *witch bottles*, its execution in Polish contexts often incorporated local customs, such as the use of specific herbs, prayers, or communal participation. Over time, many of these practices declined with modernization, though remnants persist in folk festivals and oral traditions.

The practice is also referenced in Polish folklore and literature, where it is sometimes depicted as a form of folk magic or superstition. Scholars studying Slavic folklore note that pojmowani exemplifies broader themes in European folk belief systems, where physical acts were used to manipulate unseen spiritual forces. Today, it remains a subject of interest in ethnographic and anthropological studies as a window into historical cultural practices.