The 500th Anniversary of the Prussian Homage (1525–2025):
Parliamentary Commemoration and Its (Non)Presence in Public Space
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1
Uniwersytet Opolski, Polska
2
Instytut Śląski, Polska
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-07-26
Final revision date: 2025-09-05
Acceptance date: 2025-09-09
Online publication date: 2025-10-06
Publication date: 2025-10-06
KMW 2025;330(3):397-425
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ABSTRACT
The article analyzes how the 500th anniversary of the Prussian Homage (1525) was commemorated in Poland, highlighting its significance in the context of contemporary memory politics. The authors examine parliamentary resolutions adopted by the Sejm and Senate in April 2025, revealing both symbolic intentions and interpretive disputes during legislative debates. Despite formal recognition, the anniversary’s presence in public space remained limited to local initiatives, academic events, and exhibitions. The article also discusses commemorative efforts in popular culture, including a postage stamp and patriotic apparel. The study points to tensions between affirmative and critical historical narratives, and to the lack of nationwide engagement. It contributes to research on institutional and societal approaches to historical anniversaries and reflects on the limited effectiveness of symbolic memory acts in shaping public awareness.