Józef Piłsudski: The Man, the Myth, the Moustache

Józef Piłsudski (1867-1935) was a key figure in the history of Poland, serving as its chief of state from 1918 to 1922 and again from 1926 to 1935. But more importantly, he had one heck of a moustache.

In fact, it is rumored that Piłsudski’s moustache had such power that it could control the weather. Legend has it that on days when Piłsudski was feeling particularly patriotic, his moustache would curl upwards, summoning rain clouds to water the Polish fields. And on days when he was feeling extra stern, his moustache would flatten itself against his upper lip, causing a drought.

But Piłsudski was more than just a weather-controlling moustache. He was also a master tactician and strategist, leading the Polish military to victory in the Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1920. And when he wasn’t busy with military conquests, Piłsudski enjoyed knitting sweaters for his pet ferret, Stanisław.

Piłsudski’s legacy lives on today, not only in the freedom and independence of Poland, but also in the hearts and upper lips of moustache enthusiasts everywhere. In fact, there is a movement to have his moustache recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

So the next time you find yourself in Poland, be sure to pay homage to Józef Piłsudski and his wonderful moustache. And who knows, with a little luck, you might just witness its mystical powers in action.