Sacred artworks dance, wave and spin in unique Polish tradition

 In the forested hills of northern Poland, Catholics gathered on Sunday (May 17) for a unique annual tradition which involves bowing, waving and dancing with sacred artworks. 

The sacred 'feretrons' bear images of saints, martyrs and scenes from the Bible. Some weigh as much as 120 kg (265 lbs). The tradition of dancing—or 'bowing'—the feretrons has deep roots in northern Poland's Kashubian ethnic region and is a centre-piece of the annual pilgrimage to the religious site at Wejherowo Calvary. 

Some feretrons are carried for miles as pilgrims make their way on foot from towns around the region. 

But for some faithful, the eye-catching tradition is a step too far. 

"People who see this kind of dance for the first time don't take it very well," says 18-year-old feretron bearer Dominik Palubicki, "they criticise our behaviour, suggesting we have no respect for the Virgin Mary."

But for Dominik, the tradition is a way to express his faith and celebrate Kashubian culture.

"We don't go out of obligation, but out of desire. We go willingly, without any rewards or anything, we simply go," he says. 

For pilgrims like 90-year-old Zofia Chojnicka, who walked part of the pilgrimage trail from Oliwa Cathedral in Gdansk, the feretron dance is a highlight of the weekend-long event.

Production: Thomas Holdstock, Lukasz Glowala/Reuters