Olędrzy - (not) forgotten neighbors
Mennonites are Christian denominations of Protestantism. The Olęders lived in their villages according to the rules that their religion instructed them:
- They did not recognize the hierarchy of the church,
- Spiritual guide chosen from among themselves.
- Prohibition of swearing on anything,
- ban on high offices,
- Baptism - as an anabaptist faction they took as adults,
- There were no altars in their churches, only the pulpit.
- They did not wear arms and refused to serve in the army.
Their daily life was simple and harsh, consistent with the virtues of modesty and saving. Any entertainment, even as innocent as playing the violin, was banned, and gambling or alcohol abuse was punished.
