European Law and Life Culture European Law and Life Culture
Rusyns (Ruthenians) One of the Stateless Peoples of Europe
Lecturer: Dr. Lecturer: Dr. Johanna Katchen ( ), Department of
Foreign Languages and Literature, National Tsing Hua University
Unless noted, the course materials are licensed under Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Taiwan (CC
BY-NC-SA 3.0)Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
3.0 Taiwan 1
Slide 2
Outline History and Religion History and Religion Language
Language Some Customs Some Customs Foods Foods 2
Slide 3
Who are the Rusyns? One of the Slavic peoples of Central Europe
One of the Slavic peoples of Central Europe Called sometimes also
Rusins, Carpatho-Rusyns, Ruthenians, Rusnaks, Lemkos Called
sometimes also Rusins, Carpatho-Rusyns, Ruthenians, Rusnaks, Lemkos
Are NOT Russian or Russians, although the word is related to Rus
(), the old kingdom of Russia whose capital was Kiev, people who
identified with Rus rather than with the other peoples (Poles,
Hungarians, others) around them Are NOT Russian or Russians,
although the word is related to Rus (), the old kingdom of Russia
whose capital was Kiev, people who identified with Rus rather than
with the other peoples (Poles, Hungarians, others) around them
3
Slide 4
Live mainly on the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains Live
mainly on the slopes of the Carpathian Mountains Today they are in
Eastern Slovakia, Western Ukraine, and Southern Poland, with some
also in Hungary and the Vojvodina (now Northern Serbia) Today they
are in Eastern Slovakia, Western Ukraine, and Southern Poland, with
some also in Hungary and the Vojvodina (now Northern Serbia) 4
Slide 5
Estimated perhaps 1.5 million in Central Europe Estimated
perhaps 1.5 million in Central Europe About 750,000 with at least
one Rusnak parent live in North America About 750,000 with at least
one Rusnak parent live in North America Sometimes difficult to
count because census form in some places, such as Ukraine and USA
(for different reasons), have not or do not recognize this
nationality Sometimes difficult to count because census form in
some places, such as Ukraine and USA (for different reasons), have
not or do not recognize this nationality Many are also
intermarried, primarily with others from the regionSlovaks, Poles,
Hungarians Many are also intermarried, primarily with others from
the regionSlovaks, Poles, Hungarians 5
Slide 6
A Brief History Evidence for Rusyns in the region from the 6 th
and 7 th centuries Evidence for Rusyns in the region from the 6 th
and 7 th centuries Lived in small villages Lived in small villages
The land is mountainous with steep valleys, could only do
small-scale farming, shepherding, logging The land is mountainous
with steep valleys, could only do small-scale farming, shepherding,
logging Did not really industrialise, much the same even today Did
not really industrialise, much the same even today 6
Slide 7
In 863 the Greek missionaries Constantine (Cyril) and Methodius
brought Christianity to the Slavs In 863 the Greek missionaries
Constantine (Cyril) and Methodius brought Christianity to the Slavs
7
Slide 8
Rusyns were Christianized by the Eastern Roman Empire based at
Constantinople (Byzantium) Rusyns were Christianized by the Eastern
Roman Empire based at Constantinople (Byzantium) According to
legend, Cyril and Methodius set up dioceses in Mukaevo and Przemysl
According to legend, Cyril and Methodius set up dioceses in Mukaevo
and Przemysl In 1054 a schism (split) occurred between East
(Orthodox) and West (Catholics) In 1054 a schism (split) occurred
between East (Orthodox) and West (Catholics) 8
Slide 9
By the 11 th and 12 th centuries, the beginning of some state
structures in the Carpathians By the 11 th and 12 th centuries, the
beginning of some state structures in the Carpathians The influence
of Roman Catholic Hungary and Poland, but Rusyns identified
themselves with Kievan Rus through the Kingdom of Galicia The
influence of Roman Catholic Hungary and Poland, but Rusyns
identified themselves with Kievan Rus through the Kingdom of
Galicia 14 th century, end of Galician Kingdom 14 th century, end
of Galician Kingdom Divided, Polish Lithuania in the North, Hungary
in the South Divided, Polish Lithuania in the North, Hungary in the
South 9
Slide 10
Rusyns were surrounded by peoples Christianized by the Westthe
Catholic Poles, Hungarians, and Slovaks, who used Latin in the
church Rusyns were surrounded by peoples Christianized by the
Westthe Catholic Poles, Hungarians, and Slovaks, who used Latin in
the church Rusyns distinguished themselves by speaking their own
dialects and by keeping their Ruska vira or the faith of Rus
(Eastern) Rusyns distinguished themselves by speaking their own
dialects and by keeping their Ruska vira or the faith of Rus
(Eastern) 10
Slide 11
By the 16 th and 17 th centuries much of the population were
serfs, though Rusyns did not like this and there are many legends
of robbers like Robin Hood By the 16 th and 17 th centuries much of
the population were serfs, though Rusyns did not like this and
there are many legends of robbers like Robin Hood The priests and
bishops were the only effective leaders The priests and bishops
were the only effective leaders 11
Slide 12
The Uniate Development Some bishops improved their situation by
signing the Union of Brest in 1596 and the Union of Uzhgorod in
1646 Some bishops improved their situation by signing the Union of
Brest in 1596 and the Union of Uzhgorod in 1646 They acknowledged
the primacy of the pope in Rome but were allowed to keep their
Liturgy, the Church Slavonic language, a married clergy, the
calendar, and other customs They acknowledged the primacy of the
pope in Rome but were allowed to keep their Liturgy, the Church
Slavonic language, a married clergy, the calendar, and other
customs 12
Slide 13
Status of the clergy improved Status of the clergy improved
They could be educated in the best catholic seminaries They could
be educated in the best catholic seminaries By the 18 th century
they started primary schools to spread their knowledge By the 18 th
century they started primary schools to spread their knowledge 1772
name changed from uniate to Greek Catholic 1772 name changed from
uniate to Greek Catholic 13
Slide 14
Also much church building in their special style the wooden
churches of the Carpathians are well-known Also much church
building in their special style the wooden churches of the
Carpathians are well-known Icon painting and other arts enjoyed a
revival Icon painting and other arts enjoyed a revival Some still
remained Orthodox Some still remained Orthodox 14
Slide 15
The Austro-Hungarian Empire Rusyns were incorporated into the
large Austro- Hungarian Empire, which was established in 1711
Rusyns were incorporated into the large Austro- Hungarian Empire,
which was established in 1711 Primary school was made compulsory
Primary school was made compulsory There was a national awakening
in the 19 th century in much of Europe. Languages were codified,
histories of peoples written, folklore collected. There was a
national awakening in the 19 th century in much of Europe.
Languages were codified, histories of peoples written, folklore
collected. 15
Slide 16
Adolf Dobriansky became a member of the Hungarian Parliament
and advocated for his Rusyn people Adolf Dobriansky became a member
of the Hungarian Parliament and advocated for his Rusyn people
Aleksander Duchnovi wrote the first grammar of the Rusyn language,
songs and poems, also the Rusyn national anthem Ja Rusyn byl, jesm
i budu I was, am and will be a Rusyn (we will hear it later)
Aleksander Duchnovi wrote the first grammar of the Rusyn language,
songs and poems, also the Rusyn national anthem Ja Rusyn byl, jesm
i budu I was, am and will be a Rusyn (we will hear it later)
16
Slide 17
Immigration During the 19 th century, the Rusyn population
continued to grow; there was not enough good land for farming, no
industry During the 19 th century, the Rusyn population continued
to grow; there was not enough good land for farming, no industry
USA Industrial Revolutionneeded workers in factories and to mine
the coal needed to run the factories USA Industrial
Revolutionneeded workers in factories and to mine the coal needed
to run the factories Many Rusyns immigrated to North America,
especially USA; most settled in New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania Many Rusyns immigrated to North America, especially
USA; most settled in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania 17
Slide 18
In Pennsylvania, most worked in the hard coal mines of the
eastern part of the state or the soft coal mines of the west
(Pittsburgh area) In Pennsylvania, most worked in the hard coal
mines of the eastern part of the state or the soft coal mines of
the west (Pittsburgh area) Took their customs with them, their
churches, modified them Took their customs with them, their
churches, modified them Immigration to USA was reduced when in 1924
USA placed quotas on those from Southern and Eastern Europe
Immigration to USA was reduced when in 1924 USA placed quotas on
those from Southern and Eastern Europe 18
Slide 19
Language lost today among many descendants Language lost today
among many descendants Some customs and the foods survive Some
customs and the foods survive Have both Greek catholic and Orthodox
churches Have both Greek catholic and Orthodox churches Church
moved from Church Slavonic to English starting in the 1970s, still
some controversy; how to you make music made for one language work
in another language while preserving the essence? Church moved from
Church Slavonic to English starting in the 1970s, still some
controversy; how to you make music made for one language work in
another language while preserving the essence? 19
Slide 20
European Developments Between WWI and WWII an independent
Czechoslovakia was established; life for Rusyns in that area
improved, cultural renewal Between WWI and WWII an independent
Czechoslovakia was established; life for Rusyns in that area
improved, cultural renewal For those in Poland, few political gains
but they had their own schools in the Rusyn language and the
uniates had a separate administration from the Vatican For those in
Poland, few political gains but they had their own schools in the
Rusyn language and the uniates had a separate administration from
the Vatican From 1939 on the Nazis took over the region From 1939
on the Nazis took over the region 20
Slide 21
Soviet Takeover After WWII the region fell under the influence
of the Soviet Union After WWII the region fell under the influence
of the Soviet Union Eastern Rusyns became a part of Soviet Ukraine
Eastern Rusyns became a part of Soviet Ukraine Western Rusyns in
Slovakia and Poland Western Rusyns in Slovakia and Poland
Greek-Catholic Church was outlawed, though partly restored in 1968
in Slovakia Greek-Catholic Church was outlawed, though partly
restored in 1968 in Slovakia Rusyns were identified as Ukrainians
Rusyns were identified as Ukrainians Travel was restricted to this
politically sensitive area bordering many countries Travel was
restricted to this politically sensitive area bordering many
countries 21
Slide 22
After 1989 After the fall of communism in 1989, big changes
After the fall of communism in 1989, big changes Independent
Ukraine, which still has tensions between Russophile East and
Western-looking Western Ukraine Independent Ukraine, which still
has tensions between Russophile East and Western-looking Western
Ukraine Independent Slovakia Independent Slovakia Rights of
minorities important with entry into the EU in 2004 (Slovakia,
Hungary, Poland) Rights of minorities important with entry into the
EU in 2004 (Slovakia, Hungary, Poland) 22
Slide 23
Today Rusyns in Slovakia have their own newspaper, magazines,
radio programs (from Koice), art museum (the Warhol Family Museum
of Modern Art in Medzilaborce), dramatic theatre (the Alexander
Duchnovi Theatre in Preov, which performs classic and new plays in
the Rusyn language). Today Rusyns in Slovakia have their own
newspaper, magazines, radio programs (from Koice), art museum (the
Warhol Family Museum of Modern Art in Medzilaborce), dramatic
theatre (the Alexander Duchnovi Theatre in Preov, which performs
classic and new plays in the Rusyn language). A number of primary
schools in Rusyn-inhabited villages and towns include Rusyn
language courses in their curriculum, and Preov University has a
department of Rusyn studies. (Custer) A number of primary schools
in Rusyn-inhabited villages and towns include Rusyn language
courses in their curriculum, and Preov University has a department
of Rusyn studies. (Custer) 23
Slide 24
Independence Movements Nothing serious; Rusyns do not really
want an independent nation Nothing serious; Rusyns do not really
want an independent nation Ukraine: Some in Western Ukraine talk of
separation, but this is broader than the Rusyn question Ukraine:
Some in Western Ukraine talk of separation, but this is broader
than the Rusyn question Movement for an independent Republic of
Subcarpathian Rus that irritates the government of Ukraine, which
is said to be funded by Russia Movement for an independent Republic
of Subcarpathian Rus that irritates the government of Ukraine,
which is said to be funded by Russia 24
Slide 25
Religion Rusyns, whether uniate or Orthodox, follow the Eastern
Rite, not the Roman Rite. Historically, they have always used the
vernacular language of the people and keep many of the fuller
church services that were dropped in the Roman Rite. Rusyns,
whether uniate or Orthodox, follow the Eastern Rite, not the Roman
Rite. Historically, they have always used the vernacular language
of the people and keep many of the fuller church services that were
dropped in the Roman Rite. Each region also developed its own
singing style for chanting the services. Each region also developed
its own singing style for chanting the services. 25
Slide 26
While the union with Rome created problems, one positive result
was access to more resources While the union with Rome created
problems, one positive result was access to more resources Some
priests were able to have books made, first for the cantors leading
the singing, later texts for the people Some priests were able to
have books made, first for the cantors leading the singing, later
texts for the people This meant that the people not only had the
opportunity to learn to read, they could also follow the texts of
the Liturgy and other services This meant that the people not only
had the opportunity to learn to read, they could also follow the
texts of the Liturgy and other services 26
Slide 27
The result: There was one or a few leaders and the people sang
the liturgy, they participated fully and added harmonies. There was
no need for a formal choir. The result: There was one or a few
leaders and the people sang the liturgy, they participated fully
and added harmonies. There was no need for a formal choir. This is
different from other Orthodox regions, where even today people may
not widely have access to texts; for example, in Russia, where
there are choirs and people do not participate This is different
from other Orthodox regions, where even today people may not widely
have access to texts; for example, in Russia, where there are
choirs and people do not participate 27
Slide 28
Language Along with Christianity came a writing system known as
Cyrillic Along with Christianity came a writing system known as
Cyrillic The language they used was a South Slav language, now
known as Old Church Slavic or Old Bulgarian The language they used
was a South Slav language, now known as Old Church Slavic or Old
Bulgarian 1000 years ago the Slavic languages were not as different
as they are today, so Old Church Slavic was likely intelligible in
much of the Slav regions 1000 years ago the Slavic languages were
not as different as they are today, so Old Church Slavic was likely
intelligible in much of the Slav regions 28
Slide 29
Through the years the vernaculars changed and the church
language had to be modernised; the current version used by the
eastern Slavs in the church was revised over 200 years ago Through
the years the vernaculars changed and the church language had to be
modernised; the current version used by the eastern Slavs in the
church was revised over 200 years ago Today it is not easily
intelligible to much of the Slav world but it still functions as a
lingua franca Today it is not easily intelligible to much of the
Slav world but it still functions as a lingua franca 29
Slide 30
Which Language? During the cultural revival in the 19 th
century, the language question was raised. Which should the Rusyn
people use? During the cultural revival in the 19 th century, the
language question was raised. Which should the Rusyn people use?
Some advocated Church Slavonic, some Great Russian, even Hungarian
Some advocated Church Slavonic, some Great Russian, even Hungarian
Several tried to codify the language the people actually spoke
Several tried to codify the language the people actually spoke
30
Slide 31
Today Rusyns speak an East Slavic language most closely related
to Ukrainian Today Rusyns speak an East Slavic language most
closely related to Ukrainian An eastern variety written in Cyrillic
and centered around Mukaevo (Western Ukraine)) An eastern variety
written in Cyrillic and centered around Mukaevo (Western Ukraine))
A western variety also written in the Latin alphabet centered
around Preov (Eastern Slovakia) A western variety also written in
the Latin alphabet centered around Preov (Eastern Slovakia) We
refer to our language as po naomu in our way We refer to our
language as po naomu in our way 31
Slide 32
Influenced by Polish, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Hungarian,
especially in vocabulary and to some extent pronunciation
Influenced by Polish, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Hungarian, especially
in vocabulary and to some extent pronunciation In western areas for
nice or prettyumnyj (as in Southern Poland) In western areas for
nice or prettyumnyj (as in Southern Poland) In eastern areasharnyj
(as in Ukrainian) In eastern areasharnyj (as in Ukrainian) 32
Slide 33
In the west on for heon (Slovak) In the west on for heon
(Slovak) In the eastwin (Ukrainian) In the eastwin (Ukrainian)
Vocabulary from Hungarian: lekvar prune jam (Hungarian just jam);
bosorka witch (Hungarian boszorka) Vocabulary from Hungarian:
lekvar prune jam (Hungarian just jam); bosorka witch (Hungarian
boszorka) 33
Slide 34
Customs Many customs shared with surrounding peoples Many
customs shared with surrounding peoples The church and the seasons
of the church have been a big influence on peoples lives, and so
have the celebrations of the church, some of which can be traced
back to pre-Christian times The church and the seasons of the
church have been a big influence on peoples lives, and so have the
celebrations of the church, some of which can be traced back to
pre-Christian times Also customs for rites of passage in life like
births, marriages, deaths, whose celebrations have both a secular
and religious aspect Also customs for rites of passage in life like
births, marriages, deaths, whose celebrations have both a secular
and religious aspect 34
Slide 35
PysankyEaster Eggs Many Slav peoples paint Easter eggs,
Ukrainian styles widely known Many Slav peoples paint Easter eggs,
Ukrainian styles widely known 35
Slide 36
Around the Preov region, the teardrop style is used Around the
Preov region, the teardrop style is used Use beeswax (from the
bottoms of church candles) Use beeswax (from the bottoms of church
candles) Put a pin in the eraser end of a pencil to make a stylus
Put a pin in the eraser end of a pencil to make a stylus Heat the
beeswax on the stove and keep it heated. Be careful it does not
start a fire or set off the smoke alarm! Heat the beeswax on the
stove and keep it heated. Be careful it does not start a fire or
set off the smoke alarm! Put the pin into the wax and quickly pull
it over the egg to make a teardrop shape. Repeat to make patterns.
Put the pin into the wax and quickly pull it over the egg to make a
teardrop shape. Repeat to make patterns. 36
Slide 37
The Easter Basket About two months before Easter we start the
period known as lent, when we think about the death of Jesus Christ
and also our weak points and try to be better people; part of that
preparation involves self-discipline, such as not eating meat,
fish, eggs, or dairy products and sometimes eating smaller meals
About two months before Easter we start the period known as lent,
when we think about the death of Jesus Christ and also our weak
points and try to be better people; part of that preparation
involves self-discipline, such as not eating meat, fish, eggs, or
dairy products and sometimes eating smaller meals At Easter,
Pascha, we can eat all these things again. At Easter, Pascha, we
can eat all these things again. Rusyns, like many Slav peoples,
prepare these foods, put them in a basket, and take them to the
church to be blessed Rusyns, like many Slav peoples, prepare these
foods, put them in a basket, and take them to the church to be
blessed 37
Slide 38
What goes into the basket? Meat productsa ham, kolbasa
(sausage), perhaps a piece of bacon Meat productsa ham, kolbasa
(sausage), perhaps a piece of bacon Hard-cooked eggs and pysanky
Hard-cooked eggs and pysanky Breada round one decorated with a
cross and braid made of the doughcalled the Pascha Breada round one
decorated with a cross and braid made of the doughcalled the Pascha
Hrutkamade of eggs and milk, sweetened and molded into a ball
Hrutkamade of eggs and milk, sweetened and molded into a ball A
mixture of horseradish and beetsred like the blood of Christ and
bitter remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ A mixture of
horseradish and beetsred like the blood of Christ and bitter
remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ 38
Slide 39
Butter, with a cross inscribed on it Butter, with a cross
inscribed on it A bottle of red wine A bottle of red wine The
basket is covered with an embroidered cloth; a candle is also
brought The basket is covered with an embroidered cloth; a candle
is also brought The baskets are taken to the church but left in the
basement or outside while the Resurrection service goes on The
baskets are taken to the church but left in the basement or outside
while the Resurrection service goes on Afterwards the cover is
removed and the candle placed in the basket and lit; the priest the
blesses the food while the people sing Christos voskres! Christ is
Risen! Afterwards the cover is removed and the candle placed in the
basket and lit; the priest the blesses the food while the people
sing Christos voskres! Christ is Risen! 39
Slide 40
Blessing Baskets 40
Slide 41
On Easter Monday the men and young boys have the opportunity to
throw water on the women. On Easter Monday the men and young boys
have the opportunity to throw water on the women. On Easter Tuesday
the women get their revenge and can pour water on the men. On
Easter Tuesday the women get their revenge and can pour water on
the men. It is an opportunity for young men and women to get to
know each other better. It is an opportunity for young men and
women to get to know each other better. 41
Slide 42
Christmas Holy Supper While in the Orthodox church, on
Christmas Eve people spend the whole night in church until dawn
going through a series of services, Rusyns have the custom of Holy
Supper, after which they go to a midnight service which forms only
part of the services. While in the Orthodox church, on Christmas
Eve people spend the whole night in church until dawn going through
a series of services, Rusyns have the custom of Holy Supper, after
which they go to a midnight service which forms only part of the
services. The main Liturgy is done on Christmas morning, when
people return to the church. The main Liturgy is done on Christmas
morning, when people return to the church. The supper custom seems
to have come from the surrounding catholic neighbors, who have
variations on the supper. The supper custom seems to have come from
the surrounding catholic neighbors, who have variations on the
supper. 42
Slide 43
The house is cleaned, and if people are farmers, straw is
scattered on the floor and the animals may be brought in The house
is cleaned, and if people are farmers, straw is scattered on the
floor and the animals may be brought in A white tablecloth is
placed on the table, and a candle; one extra place is set, the door
is not locked should a visitor appear A white tablecloth is placed
on the table, and a candle; one extra place is set, the door is not
locked should a visitor appear Children are kept busy waiting to
see the first star in the sky; then the supper can begin Children
are kept busy waiting to see the first star in the sky; then the
supper can begin 43
Slide 44
Head of the house says a prayer. We begin with honey for the
sweet things in life, a piece of garlic to remember the bitter, a
glass of wine or slivovic for Gods goodness Head of the house says
a prayer. We begin with honey for the sweet things in life, a piece
of garlic to remember the bitter, a glass of wine or slivovic for
Gods goodness There are usually 12 dishes in all (including the
honey, garlic, etc.) symbolizing the 12 apostles There are usually
12 dishes in all (including the honey, garlic, etc.) symbolizing
the 12 apostles As it is a time of strict fast, there is no meat or
eggs or dairy As it is a time of strict fast, there is no meat or
eggs or dairy 44
Slide 45
Sour mushroom soup with sauerkraut Sour mushroom soup with
sauerkraut Split pea soup with potatoes and rice Split pea soup
with potatoes and rice Bobalky (dough balls blanched in hot water)
with honey or poppyseed Bobalky (dough balls blanched in hot water)
with honey or poppyseed Dry pirohy Dry pirohy Nuts, prunes Nuts,
prunes Between courses and after the meal the Christmas Troparion
and carols are sung Between courses and after the meal the
Christmas Troparion and carols are sung 45
Slide 46
JaslikaryThe Bethlehem Play After the Holy Supper and during
the following days, jaslikary (jaslikmanger) go from house to house
After the Holy Supper and during the following days, jaslikary
(jaslikmanger) go from house to house These are not just carolers;
they perform a version of the Christmas play, which other peoples
of Europe also perform These are not just carolers; they perform a
version of the Christmas play, which other peoples of Europe also
perform Teenaged boys and younger boys do this, sometimes
accompanied by older men Teenaged boys and younger boys do this,
sometimes accompanied by older men 46
Slide 47
They carry a replica of a church and take the roles of
shepherds and angels who tell the news of Christs birth to them
They carry a replica of a church and take the roles of shepherds
and angels who tell the news of Christs birth to them There is
humor, the character of guba or grandpa shepherd; they discuss the
gifts to take to give the Baby Jesus; the guba is known to be
stingy, keeps sausages hidden in his clothes, is teased on this
There is humor, the character of guba or grandpa shepherd; they
discuss the gifts to take to give the Baby Jesus; the guba is known
to be stingy, keeps sausages hidden in his clothes, is teased on
this The householder gives them food and drink; they respond with
good wishes The householder gives them food and drink; they respond
with good wishes 47
Slide 48
Weddings Many traditional rituals and songs associated with
engagements and weddings; some lost in towns, kept in villages Many
traditional rituals and songs associated with engagements and
weddings; some lost in towns, kept in villages Grooms family goes
to brides house, brides mother may weep, grooms representative asks
the father, there may be some fun, asking for dowry (now not
serious)money, exchange of gifts, before going off to church Grooms
family goes to brides house, brides mother may weep, grooms
representative asks the father, there may be some fun, asking for
dowry (now not serious)money, exchange of gifts, before going off
to church 48
Slide 49
Weddings full of symbolism, follows Eastern Rite Weddings full
of symbolism, follows Eastern Rite Here we see the crowning of both
bride and groomthey will have to sacrifice much for each other and
their children in their marriage; may they gain the crown of
martyrs Here we see the crowning of both bride and groomthey will
have to sacrifice much for each other and their children in their
marriage; may they gain the crown of martyrs 49
Slide 50
After the church wedding all go to eat and drink and dance
together; there must be live musicians After the church wedding all
go to eat and drink and dance together; there must be live
musicians Rusyns have the custom of RedovyLining up to dance with
the bride to a special song. The order is distant to close
relationship, with her father dancing with her last. Before you
dance with her, you must put money in the purse. Rusyns have the
custom of RedovyLining up to dance with the bride to a special
song. The order is distant to close relationship, with her father
dancing with her last. Before you dance with her, you must put
money in the purse. After you dance, in the USA you get either a
piece of wedding cake (women) or a shot (small glass) of whiskey
(men) After you dance, in the USA you get either a piece of wedding
cake (women) or a shot (small glass) of whiskey (men) 50
Slide 51
Foods Holubkycabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage Holubkycabbage
rolls, stuffed cabbage Pirohydumplings filled with mashed potatoes
and cheese, or cabbage, or mashed prunes Pirohydumplings filled
with mashed potatoes and cheese, or cabbage, or mashed prunes
Halukyhomemade noodles with cabbage Halukyhomemade noodles with
cabbage Nalenikypotato pancakes Nalenikypotato pancakes
Palainkythin pancakes with jam or ground nuts and sugar or
chocolate Palainkythin pancakes with jam or ground nuts and sugar
or chocolate Excellent desserts with nuts, poppyseed, prunesheirs
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Excellent desserts with nuts,
poppyseed, prunesheirs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 51
Slide 52
Recent Developments The internet has improved communication
among Rusyns in all parts of the world The internet has improved
communication among Rusyns in all parts of the world For example, a
Facebook group Carpatho-Rusyns Everywhere has members in various
European countries, USA, Canada, me in Taiwan; posts are in
English, Ukrainian, Rusyn For example, a Facebook group
Carpatho-Rusyns Everywhere has members in various European
countries, USA, Canada, me in Taiwan; posts are in English,
Ukrainian, Rusyn Helps form a collective identity, including
memories, and keeps us aware of news Helps form a collective
identity, including memories, and keeps us aware of news 52
Slide 53
Rusyn National Anthem (Duchnovi) Ja Rusyn byl, Jesm i budu, Ja
rodylsja Rusynom, estnyj moj rod ne zabudu Ostanus jeho synom! Ja
Rusyn byl, Jesm i budu, Ja rodylsja Rusynom, estnyj moj rod ne
zabudu Ostanus jeho synom! I was, I am, and will always remain a
Rusyn, I was born a Rusyn, I shall never forget my honorable
heritage, I shall remain its son. I was, I am, and will always
remain a Rusyn, I was born a Rusyn, I shall never forget my
honorable heritage, I shall remain its son. 53
Slide 54
Djakuju Thank you! 54
Slide 55
References Material based on the works of Paul Magosci and
Patricia Krafcik Material based on the works of Paul Magosci and
Patricia Krafcik The Carpatho-Rusyn Research Association
www.carpatho-rusyn.org (especially the Rich Custer contribution)
The Carpatho-Rusyn Research Association www.carpatho-rusyn.org
(especially the Rich Custer contribution) www.carpatho-rusyn.org
Carpatho-Rusyn Society http://www.c-rs.org/ Carpatho-Rusyn Society
http://www.c-rs.org/http://www.c-rs.org/ 55