The Eighth Tribe, 1978 (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1978-10-01 / 10. szám
October, 1978 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page 11 were the Saxons of the North-Central Highlands (Szepes, Zips) and of Southeastern Transylvania (Bárcaság, Bur zenland). The latter were mostly burghers, who brought with them a wide variety of urban skills. They formed settlements that soon became walled cities, gained the rights of Royal Free Boroughs, and thus were subjected only directly to the king. In this way they extricated themselves from under the control of the provincial nobility and the county administration, and made themselves into a very privileged group in the country. This brought them many political and economic advantages, but also earned for them the emnity of the whole noble class. (Bruckner: A szepesi szász nép; Neugeboren: Az erdély szászok; Pukánszky: Magy. ném. ir., 26-31.) Although most of the Saxons were burghers, this does not hold true for many of the other immigrants. In fact, contrary to popular belief, the majority of the Western immigrants were not burghers, but agriculturalists. But as they also brought with themselves improved agricultural methods and implements, they too generally managed to gain certain privileges not enjoyed by the local population. Money Economy and Trade The first Hungarian monarch to mint coins in Hungary may have been Prince Géza in the late tenth century. His son, King St. Stephen certainly minted silver coins in considerable numbers. Even so the use of money in trade remained very restricted at least until the end of the eleventh century. It was used mostly in foreign trade while domestic trade relied' mostly on the barter system. In the course of the twelfth century the use of money became more common, but this also brought with it the inevitable decline of the value of the Hungarian coins. Thus while in St. Stephen’s time the value of a Hungarian silver Dénár was one-thirtieth of a Byzantine gold coin, by the end of the century it had declined to one-fortieth of its value. And this decline continued throughout the twelfth century, all the more so as the loss of its value was also aided by the decline of its size and its silver content. Although losing much of its value in the course of these centuries, the supply of money increased, and it was more commonly used, especially by the well-to-do classes. By the end of the twelfth century, King Béla III even began to mint copper coins in imitation of the Byzantine model. These copper coins then began to replace "natural money” or “money in kind” (e.g. oxen, furs, hides) as the unit of value in both internal and foreign trade. (This chapter to be continued in next issue) 117 nique, by a clear perception of different styles, by deeply felt beautiful tones, and by a wide scale of convincing dynamics. Judith Lajos, whose second husband died recently, was invited by her sister to spend with her a few months in Los Angeles. During her vacation in America, Judith Lajos is going to visit her relatives in Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Chicago. She is expected to play everywhere, but plans to present a full-night’s concert only in Pittsburgh. We arc looking forward to her performance in Pittsburgh with great expectation. JUDITH LAJOS • • • HUNGARIAN FOLK ART EXHIBIT - BAZAAR FOOD FESTIVAL WASHINGTON, D. C. Franciscan Monastery, Pilgrim Hall, 1400 Quincy St. N.E., Washington, D.C. Sunday, November 5, 1978, 10 A.M.4 P.M. The Cardinal Mindszenty Society cordially invites you, your family and friends to its annual Hungarian Folk Art Exhibit and Bazaar on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1978. On the EXHIBIT national costumes homespun, needlework, pottery, ceramics, paintings, etc. will be shown from Hungary’s main geographical areas (Erdély, Felvidék, Délvidék, Alföld, Dunántúl). Many items, not on exhibit, will be available for purchase. Entertainment will be provided by Hungarian and other dance groups. Various fine Hungarian foods and pastries will be available throughout the Bazaar. The proceeds from the Bazaar will be used to support our schools and scout organizations.
