HUCULS
Polish
geographer and ethnographer Henryk G¹siorowski, in thirties of twenty century has
described Huculs as a most unique ethnographic relic in the Europe. In fact, the people
who lives in the East Carpathia has formed unique mixed of nations: Ukrainian, Romanian,
Hungarian, Poles, Gypsy, and also Tatar and Turkey.
Special
conditions of live in high mountains created strong people, proud and independent. They
have lived in own extraordinary world based on ancient tradition and unusual customs.
Hucul world is full of magic and ancient wisdom. After hundreds of years, the beauty of
the mountains has become part of their life. No wonder, that it has reflected in their
culture. Traditional Hucul culture is often represented by the colourful and intricate
craftsmanship of their clothing, sculpture, architecture, woodworking, metalworking,
pottery, and egg decorating. Today, Hucul old traditions has still continued.
Hucul’s culture and the way of live inspirited artists: writers, painters,
sculptors, architects, first of all Ukrainian and Polish, particularly in nineteen and
first half of twenty centuries.
Even
the Soviets periods, pride,
independency and predilection to the old tradition let them to continue their traditional
lifestyle. With a degree of autonomy and strong communities, they achieved a noticeably
higher standard of living than other people in the region. Old tradition, music, folk,
craft and special kind of people’s character is still living in Huculschina.
Huculs
were not typical farmers. In the past, many of them adopted semi-nomadic lifestyle based
on tending flocks of sheep in the alpine meadows during the summer. Some Huculs families
were owners of great lands. Another were engaged in craft trade.
The
number of Huculs is about 300 000 people. Their language is relatively unique. It is
thought to be a dialect of Ukrainian with some Polish and Romanian influences.
