Lemko/rusyn survey

[bm-21Lemko]

This is a Lemko survey that I found online.

This was meant for Lemkos, but if you would like to partake in the survey you may. Some questions you may not be able to answer if your not Lemko/Rusyn. Also if you would like you can substitute the question instead of Lemko and add your own heritage and how you would be considered if integrated back into it if you can not answer the question.

answer the questions with yes or no or undecided and explain why you chose that answer. Also please if you will why you chose to partake in the survey.


If you pick other as your ethnic heritage explain why you chose the choice you did and if it has any relevance to a part of history in your own culture. Good luck!!!

Q1.
Is it possible for someone who does not speak Lemko, does not live in the Lemko region, is married to a non-Lemko and of a non-traditional religious faith, to be regarded as a Lemko?

Q2.
Can one return to one's Lemko roots if not integrated directly?

Q3.
Can Lemkos have or do they have a distinct language and literature?

Q4.
Lemko folk culture has been inspired by and celebrates their mountainous Carpathian homeland. As with other agrarian cultures, the connection between land and identity was for Lemkos a strong one. During the years 1944-47, Lemkos were resettled away from their homeland. Those who have since returned found that depopulation of the region, coupled with directed in-migration of ethnic Poles, has changed the ethno-cultural landscape of their homeland. How has the traditional tie between the Lemko region and Lemko cultural identity been altered since the resettlements? Is living in the Lemko homeland necessary in order to preserve the connection with one's Lemko heritage?

Q5.
Is there any real difference between Lemkos and Ukrainians?

Q6.
Is there any real difference between Lemkos and Rusyns?

Q7.
Is it possible for someone to be considered a Lemko if they have mixed ancestry?

Q8.
Is it likely that one shall be considered a lemko if they do not follow traditional customs of their ancestors?

Q9.
Should Lemkos have their own homeland at the expense of other nations shrinking their borders to provide land for a new Republic? (Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Poland)

Q10.
Should Lemkos be given minority status as well as their language in countries they occupy? (Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Poland)

I look forward to your responses. Like i said before you can substitute Lemko for Ukrainain or English or German.

[bm-21Lemko]

This was percentage of Lemkos religious beliefs who partook in the survey.

Religious conviction Percentage
Orthodox 50%
Greek Catholic 38%
Pentecostal 4%
'Atheist' 4%
Roman Catholic 2%
'Christian' 2%

[Lilly]

In reply to question 10:

In the middle of the 18-th century, numerous Lemko families from Priashev district and the Galician part of Lemkivshchyna, resorted to find a better fate in Yugoslavia. United into various "ruthenian" centers, they continued to develop their ancient traditions. Since 1990, emigrants from Lemkivshchyna belong to a single organization, Union of Ruthenians of Yugoslavia.


I found an interesting article below.

Who are the Lemko-Ukrainians?

[bm-21Lemko]

In the middle of the 18-th century, numerous Lemko families from Priashev district and the Galician part of Lemkivshchyna, resorted to find a better fate in Yugoslavia. United into various "ruthenian" centers, they continued to develop their ancient traditions. Since 1990, emigrants from Lemkivshchyna belong to a single organization, Union of Ruthenians of Yugoslavia.

yes in northern serbia where they have there own autonomy in vjovjenda or something of the sort. Rusyn is one of many languages used in that autonomous region. There are also magyars, slovaks, and romanians as well and there language is also an official language.

Lilly you are Serbian and something else that skips my mind. Am i right?

[bm-21Lemko]

ok I shall start then.

Q1.
Is it possible for someone who does not speak Lemko, does not live in the Lemko region, is married to a non-Lemko and of a non-traditional religious faith, to be regarded as a Lemko?

Yes. Because their ethnic heritage is of that descent which is speacial and one can go back and learn the traditional views of Lemkos as well as their culture.

Q2.
Can one return to one's Lemko roots if not integrated directly?

Yes If one is willing to learn the cultural and traditional ways of their ancestors.

Q3.
Can Lemkos have or do they have a distinct language and literature?

Yes They have their own language and literature even though it is closely associated with Ukrainian. The rules of language still follow the same just with different words. Father - njanju (lemko) Father - Tato (Ukrainian)

Is living in the Lemko homeland necessary in order to preserve the connection with one's Lemko heritage?

No Most Lemkos are not mountain herders, but can continue to exist just as they did in a country populated by more people than themselves through customs and language.

Q5.
Is there any real difference between Lemkos and Ukrainians?

Undecided There are similarities and differences.

Q6.
Is there any real difference between Lemkos and Rusyns?

No In my opinion no. The only difference is they live on the other side of the mountain

Q7.
Is it possible for someone to be considered a Lemko if they have mixed ancestry?

Yes for me i believe it is ok and have heard many polish people who have lemko trying to get back in the culture and Lemkos accepting them.

Q8.
Is it likely that one shall be considered a lemko if they do not follow traditional customs of their ancestors?

Yes It is up to the person if they consider themselves Lemko

Q9.
Should Lemkos have their own homeland at the expense of other nations shrinking their borders to provide land for a new Republic? (Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Poland)

Undecided I don't think it will ever happen, but they do have a transitional government in Ukraine.

Q10.
Should Lemkos be given minority status as well as their language in countries they occupy? (Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and Poland)

Yes I think it would be fair.

[Lilly]

Great post!........and yes my heritage is Serbian/Russian. My son married a Russian girl.