Thursday Dinners facts for kids
Thursday Dinners (also known as obiady czwartkowe in Polish) were special meetings held by the last King of Poland, Stanislaus II Augustus. These gatherings brought together smart and creative people like artists, writers, thinkers, and important government officials. They happened during a time called the Enlightenment period in Poland, which was a time of new ideas and learning.
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History of the Dinners
King Stanislaus Augustus Poniatowski was well-known for supporting arts and education. During his rule, Poland experienced its own Age of Enlightenment. This was a time when new ideas about science, art, and government became very popular. The city of Warsaw became a modern and exciting place. It was a favorite spot for important people in art, building design, and literature to meet. The King invited these influential people to his Thursday Dinners. He also started the School of Chivalry, which was a school for young nobles.
Where and When They Happened
The Thursday Dinners usually took place at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. In the summer, they were held at the lovely Palace on the Isle. These dinners happened between the years 1770 and 1784. Each gathering typically lasted about three hours. They were a bit like the famous "salons" in France, where people would meet to talk about important topics.
What Was Discussed
During these dinners, the King and his guests enjoyed a light meal. They would talk about many interesting things. These discussions included literature, which is about books and writing. They also talked about art, like paintings and sculptures. Important political ideas and news were also part of their conversations.
Who Attended the Dinners
The number of guests at the Thursday Dinners changed over the years. However, there were usually about thirty regular attendees. These guests included many important people from different fields. There were politicians, writers, and people who loved books. Military officers and philosophers, who are people who think deeply about life, also joined.
Some of the famous guests included:
- 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
Wednesday Dinners
The King also held other, less famous, dinners called "Wednesday Dinners" (Obiady Środowe). The guests at the Thursday Dinners were mostly writers, poets, and artists. But the Wednesday Dinners brought together different kinds of people. These included educators, scientists, and people working for political change.
Impact of the Dinners
The Thursday Dinners led to the creation of Poland's very first literary magazine. It was called Zabawy Przyjemne i Pożyteczne, which means "Diversions Pleasurable and Useful." This magazine was published from 1770 to 1777. It shared new ideas and writings from the people who attended the dinners.
A Modern Tradition
In the 1990s, the Mayor of Warsaw, Paweł Piskorski, brought back a similar tradition. He started holding "Tuesday Breakfasts." These meetings were a way to discuss current issues with important business leaders and community activists. It was a modern way to continue the spirit of the King's original gatherings.
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