Polish Roots Meet Americana with Polky Band

Here Healing Wisdom catches up with Ewelina Ferenc and Marta Solek from the band Polky.

They speak about the history, their immigration and the folktale that inspired their new single, Rutka. They speak about the herbalists of Poland. 

"The lyrics invite listeners into the ritual of planting rue—a centuries-old herb cherished in Slavic culture as a symbol of resilience and independence. In this story, a woman plants rue while waiting for a love that may never come, yet she chooses her own path, embracing her freedom. Though love doesn’t arrive, she still finds happiness and fulfillment."

Despite centuries of persecution for witchcraft, herbal folkloric healing practices continue today. The practitioners of this traditional healing use drumming and other instruments alongside rituals and herbal medicine.

Especially important today, the song speaks to women breaking from oppressive sexist norms, while embracing love and magic that was there all along at the roots of the culture which honored women's magic. 

Polky blends Americana with traditional Polish and global roots.