Avar Anton – C. Tóth Norbert: Szabolcs vármegye nemessége és címeresleveleik (Nyíregyháza, 2022)
Köszöntő
szabolcsi_cimereslevelek_home.indd 11 2022. 02. 09. 20:58:34 Dear Readers, You hold a special volume, containing a collection of the most beautiful and spectacular documents recalling several centuries of the history of the Szabolcs part of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. The patents of arms from Szabolcs, being published now following the ones from Bereg, used to be among the most valuable treasures of families living or owning land here. That is because the royal patent, which attested the noble status of the family, provided privileges, titles, ranks, land property and power. No wonder they took great care of them. The coats of arms painted on the charters became symbols of the families, they marked property, were embroidered on their war banners, adorned their houses, household items and were chiselled on their signet rings, which were used to verify their subscriptions. The royal patent, granted for exceptional deeds, bravery, loyalty, changed not only the life of the grantee, but gave opportunities and responsibilities to his descendants through many generations. For many centuries, the patent of arms defined the social affiliation of those who became nobles, and patents donated to the communities symbolized the peculiarities of the settlements. By abolishing nobility, history changed the role of the patents of arms from right-securing documents to treasured family relics. Nowadays, as important and eye-catching sources of the past, they are at the best place in the professional custody of the archives. Their examination not only helps genealogical research, but also contributes to the exploration and understanding of the historical role of the noble families who governed the district, county and region and determined its life in different periods of history. These charters, scattered around the country in the course of time, are indispensable for the knowledge of the past centuries of Szabolcs county. Respect and thanks to the professionals who preserve, care about, interpret and incorporate them into our past by making them a public treasure. We hope that many – even through several generations – will be happy to turn the pages of this illustrious publication, which presents these special cultural values left to us by our predecessors. Nyíregyháza, 22nd January 2022, on the Day of Hungarian Culture Oszkár Seszták President of the general assembly of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county 11
