The ‘folwark’ [manor farm] in Mazew was leased for 30 years (beginning in 1846) by Wacław Aleksander Maciejowski, a philologist and historian interested in folk culture. He discussed the history of the village in a separate monograph (‘Biblioteka Warszawska’ [Warsaw’s Library] 1857). Kolberg stayed in his estate while he was carrying out the research in the Łęczyca region. According to Kolberg’s letters, he spent here fifteen days.
Just as in other parts of the region, Kolberg was exposed to some old beliefs and pagan rituals. He reflected on the reason for this: “It should not surprise anyone that the memory of some supernatural pagan creatures is better preserved in this land despite the earlier Christianisation in those areas in comparison to other parts of the country. Traditions of people living in such a woody and boggy region tend to be more deep-rooted. Along with celebrating the church fair, local people tell stories about malicious powers of nature on this land and about Borut, an evil spirit who plays nasty jokes on people. Hence, the locals along with obeying the rules of their religion do not neglect their pagan beliefs”.

For example, they tell stories about the malicious deeds of Borut: “Next to Mazewo, on a field, there are a few piles of stones. A peasant who was asked about their origin said that these were left by a devil who wanted to demolish a church. When the first cock crowed, the devil abandoned the stones and ran away, but, the peasant whispered, ‘you never know what might happen. The devil does not sleep; he is guarding those stones all the time; thus, you should not speak about them here. It can bring about unhappiness”.

People from this region cultivate a very interesting wedding practice, namely the dance with bowls filled with beans. It is certain that its sources are rooted in an old pagan cult.

During a wedding they also dance Wolny [slow] or Chodzony [a walking dance]; the latter is a precursor of Polonaise.