The Eighth Tribe, 1977 (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1977-08-01 / 8. szám
August, 1977 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page 13 about their extensive, cultivated agricultural lands in Etelköz (Győrffy: Honfoglalásról, p. 88). Thus, contrary to earlier assertions, the Magyars of the “second conquest” were in fact largely sedentary people. In addition to being highly skilled artisans and able merchants (see next chapter), they were thoroughly familiar with agriculture, gardening and animal husbandry. As such, they had no need to learn these skills from the conquered Slavic population of their new homeland, the Carpathian Basin. This does not mean, of course, that they could or wished to escape the cultural influence of their Slavic subjects, whose impact on the further development of Hungarian agriculture and society is undeniable. But this impact was a mutual one, and the Slavs learned at least as much from the Magyars, as did the latter from the Slavs. Following their conquest of the Carpathian Basin, the conquering Magyar tribes divided their new homeland among themselves, and then established permanent settlements. By the end of the tenth century, when Hungary became a Christian kingdom, the conquerors had established between three to four-thousand villages, averaging thirty to forty households, or a total population of 150 to 200 per settlement. Naturally, the size of the individual villages varied considerably, for — as we have seen — their size depended on the social position of the inhabitants. By the end of the tenth century, the Magyar conquerors were well on the way of absorbing the sparce “native” population of the Carpathian Basin, including the Late Avars or “Avar-Magyars,” as well as the Slavs. At the same time, they also took over the settlements of these earlier inhabitants. These villages (known in early latin-language law codes as villa) were composed of permanent structures, which were either called houses (domus) or huts (mansiuncula). Their size depended on the social and economic position of the individual families. Most of these structures were rather simple. Like their Saltovian predecessors, they were half sunk into the ground, up to the depth of about one or one and a half yards. Their average size ranged from 2Va by 2% yards to 4% by 4% yards. The door and the stairway that led down into the interior usually faced toward the south. In one of the opposite corners there was usually a built-in hearth, with perhaps an open fireplace in the center of the floor. The roof was made of timber, that was covered with thatch or reeds. It was held up by two forked props at the two ends of the house. These props made the whole structure protrude out of the ground, and thus almost doubled its internal height. 44 In general, the layout and decorated booths, tables, and patio areas on the designated mall were quite eye-catching by way of their decorations and offerings; they seemed to invite passersby to pause and view the many displays or purchase the varied vendors’ specialties. The different settings of church grounds were also pleasantly conducive to informal social activities that were heartily appealing to the sensing eye as well as palate — via the continental effects, sidewalk-restaurant atmospheres, floral-set tables and colorful streamers or signs; appetizing aromas floated about, and familiar music gayly sounded out from Hungarian orchestras among vividly-costumed multigenerational Hungarian-Americans, all contributng with their particularly unique roles toward enhancement of this fine portrayal of Hungarian heritage in America’s environs. A most worthwhile array of books and artifacts (both outdoors and indoors) was that of the American Hungarian Foundation; there were ceramic pitchers, plates, etc. among displays by outstanding artisans—for example, one showed a large vase that had been on exhibit at the 1939 World’s Fair. Also available were reproductions of historical documents, such as the following publication’s title page: “Memoirs of a Hungarian Lady by Theresa Pulszky, with a historical Introduction by Francis Pulszky, Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard, 1850”. Another among the many worthwhile evidences of historic contributions was the photoduplicated letter to Benjamin Franklin (originally written in Latin) by Michael Kováts de Fabricy, dated January 13, 1777; English translation of its contents are excerpted herewith: Most Illustrious Sir: “Golden freedom cannot be purchased with yellow gold.”... I am a free man and a Hungarian ... trained in the Royal Prussian army and raised from the lowest rank to the dignity of a Captain of the Hussars... by most diligent selfdiscipline and the virtue of my arms. ... I have no greater wish than to leave forthwith, to be where I am needed most, to serve and die in everlasting obedience to Your Excellency, and the Congress. Faithful unto death, (signed Michael Kováts) Some members of the sewing class at the Hungarian Civic Association. (Mrs. Elizabeth Orvos, third from left, standing behind her granddaughter in center front.)
