Thursday Dinners facts for kids
The Thursday Dinners (called obiady czwartkowe in Polish) were special get-togethers hosted by King Stanislaus II Augustus, the last king of Poland. These dinners brought together smart and creative people like artists, thinkers, architects, and important government officials. They happened during a time called the Enlightenment period in Poland, which was all about new ideas and learning.
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History of the Thursday Dinners
King Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski was well-known for supporting art and education. During his time as king, Poland had its own Age of Enlightenment, a period when new ideas and knowledge became very important. This era made Warsaw a modern city and a popular spot for famous artists, architects, writers, and other clever people to meet. The King invited these influential guests to his Thursday Dinners. He also started the School of Chivalry, which was a school for young nobles.
Where and When the Dinners Happened
These special gatherings usually took place at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. In the summer, they moved to the lovely Palace on the Isle in Warsaw. The dinners were held between 1770 and 1784.
What Happened at the Dinners
The Thursday Dinners typically lasted about three hours. They were a bit like the famous "salons" in France, where people would meet to discuss ideas. During the dinners, the King and his guests would talk about books, art, and important government topics while enjoying a light meal.
The number of guests changed over the years, but there were usually about thirty regular attendees. These included:
- Politicians
- Writers
- People who loved books
- High-ranking military officers
- Philosophers
Notable Guests at the Dinners
Some of the famous people who attended the Thursday Dinners were:
- Ignacy Krasicki
- Franciszek Bohomolec
- Adam Naruszewicz
- Ignacy Potocki
- Stanisław Kostka Potocki
- Hugo Kołłątaj
- Jan Śniadecki and Jędrzej Śniadecki
- Stanisław Konarski
- Tomasz Adam Ostrowski
- Józef Szymanowski
- Andrzej Zamoyski
Other Royal Dinners and Their Impact
The King also hosted less famous Wednesday Dinners, called Obiady Środowe. While the Thursday Dinners mostly welcomed writers, poets, and artists, the Wednesday Dinners brought together teachers, scientists, and people working for political change.
The Thursday Dinners even led to the creation of Poland's first literary magazine. It was called Zabawy Przyjemne i Pożyteczne, which means "Diversions Pleasurable and Useful." This magazine was published from 1770 to 1777.
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