William Penn Life, 2014 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-04-01 / 4. szám
Magyar Matters My Cifraszűr " h\/ k^ath\/ Mory\/Dri by Kathy Megyeri ON MY LAST TRIP to Hungary two years ago, I discovered the most amazing place, Central Market Hall in downtown Budapest. The entire first floor holds locally grown produce, meat, fish, poultry and gifts. However, the second floor is a treasure of crafts, needlework, clothing, Herend china and embroidered linens. In one booth, Iluska Bt., a superior sales clerk, Makkai Attilla-né, showed me a Hungarian tuxedo made of superb black wool expressly for females. I have worn mine often and value the intricate braid work on the bodice. But, the real find was the szűr, an outstanding example of the cut felt appliqué technique used in Hungary. I learned that a szűr is a woolen cloak worn by nomadic shepherds in the extreme climate of the Hungarian plains, usually by horsemen from Hortobágy. Simple and utilitarian, the szűr functions as a saddle blanket, bedroll and even as a means of storing food when the sleeves are sewn closed. By the early 20th century, the szűr became a lavish, richly colored symbol of prosperous countrymen. When a suitor left his szűr behind at his beloved's house after proposing, he'd know whether her family had accepted or rejected him by whether the cloak remained inside the home or was thrown out onto the street. The designs within the intricate cut work were derived from nature, but were originally flowers. Until the early 19th century, large areas were not embroidered. Then, flowers and woodland motifs were traced into patterns, as they are now. The appliqué is stitched and then painstakingly cut away to reveal roses, flower buds, tulips, carnations and rosemary, as well as cherries, wolf's teeth and snails. Each flower has a tiny hole cut for little "seeds," symbolizing the mysteries of life's beginnings. Within Hungarian cooperatives, artisans have handed down their skills from master to apprentice and from mother to daughter. A company called Lánya--which in Hungarian means "daughter"--is located in Sheffield, Vermont, and makes a szűr in wool melton that is lined with microfleece and trimmed in hand-cut felts. Owner Gay Ellis makes hats, gloves, purses and coats in colors that range from garnet to black to cream. My szűr, a full-length coat, is a work of art in black and red. When I wear it, admirers want to know its history and place of origin. But, it is a heavy garment and can only be worn during the few short months of winter where I live. The cost of such garments depends on the amount and intricacy of the cut felt work. Right now, I'm saving my money for the short version of my szűr that would allow me more mobility and is lighter in weight, allowing me to wear it in more moderate weather. I so treasure the craftsmanship and history of my cifraszűr that I'm considering hanging it as a piece of wall art when I'm not wearing it. It's the best souvenir I have ever brought back from Hungary. □ Point to Ponder — Con’t. from Page 7 My grandparents immigrated to America from Csőt, Hungary in 1913. Over four generations, my family has advanced from being steel workers, house cleaners, custodians and boiler operators to the current generation which is made up of accomplished educators, architects, doctors, medical administrators and a soon to be international lawyer. Just as America changed, so did WPA. The Assocation’s founders banded together with the sole purpose of aiding each other. Work in the coal mines of Western Pennsylvania was dirty, unhealthy and dangerous. As each generation improved their places in American society, WPA adapted, changed and prospered. It is refreshing and encouraging to see that our American-Hungarian organization will continue to support and promote the cultural and historical traditions of our glorious heritage. Over the past 128 years, the National Officers and Board of Directors have continued to make the correct decisions in respect to the future of the Association. In the coming years, a new generation of national leadership will be piloting the ship of American-Hungarian ethnic destiny know as William Penn. I trust that the same prudent decision making will continue, just as it has since 1886. Let me hear your feelings on this Point to Ponder.- Tibor William Penn Life 0 April 2014 0 11
