The most important symbols in the Lemko region are archaic, geometric patterns referring to pre-Christian symbolism. These are architectural decorations and characteristic embroidery of women's and men's blouses, shirts, costumes, table runners, napkins, tablecloths, etc. These are patterns assimilated by the new religion to such an extent that their meaning has faded in the majority of society despite their use. These are solar rosettes, sickle rosettes and other peacocks (spiders), Komańcza peacock feathers (ferns), trees of life, etc. The most common decorative motif is the solar rosette, commonly known in Poland as the "Carpathian rosette". It is perhaps the most widespread symbol that meant in pre-Christian times the god - the sun. It appears in the decorations of all Carpathian highlanders, starting with the porter in the rooms, where the rosette is often adjacent to the cross, blessing the household, and ending with decorations and costumes. As Iga Cichoń wrote, we can meet the rosette in the highland cultures of the Carpathian Mountains from Podhale through the Bieszczady Mountains, Ukraine, to Romania. Its range covers most of the Slavic region, and even goes beyond it. It exists in the decorative elements of stone houses in the Caucasus mountains, in the Old Armenian symbolism found in the oldest Christian monasteries, and even further, in the mountains of Central Asia, where the descendants of the ancient Pamir peoples live. The rosette can also be found in Western Europe, it is present in Spain, and it is also used as a Celtic motif in Ireland. Its shape, into which subsequent rosettes can be inscribed, was to symbolize the fullness of the universe and divine harmony. In the folk cultures of the Carpathians, this sign performed a magical and protective function. It ensured prosperity, it was supposed to protect from all misfortunes. It could be dedicated to the Slavic Perun, protecting houses against lightning and other misfortunes, or to Swarożyc, fitting into the solar symbolism - a sign of life, happiness and good luck. Today, the rosette has adapted its solar meaning to the Christian symbolism and brings to mind the Christ-sun association. It was often placed on the ceilings and graves of houses, bringing good luck to households, it was used to decorate weapons and everyday utensils. In the area under discussion, most decorations of this type have been preserved in the eastern Lemko region, in Smolnik in the Komańcza commune, where on the porter in the chamber, the rosette is often adjacent to the cross. Also there, in the Osława Valley, many archaic ornamental elements have been preserved, which, under the influence of various fashions, have almost completely disappeared in other areas. Geometric motifs dominate here, not floral or animal motifs as in other parts of the country. Here the world and beliefs were not recreated realistically, but symbolically. You can use the comparison of an icon with a holy image. As Robert Bańkosz emphasizes, another symbol, maybe not as popular as the rosette, but in its symbolism returning to favor is the peacock (spider). The symbol of prosperity, in various graphic variants, appears in particular in embroidery, but also in other decorations. The following important symbolic motifs also include: a crescent rosette, a peacock feather motif, a herringbone or a tree of life, as well as heart-shaped and other motifs. We can find them in the decorations quickly (e.g. the Smolnik hut in the open-air museum in Sanok), farm buildings and, of course, costumes and embroidery. An important and at the same time interesting event cultivated in Komańcza is the so-called Jordan holiday (more widely described in the rituals of the Lemkos). It is a holiday full of symbolism, and most importantly, still alive and cultivated despite various adversities. The highlight of the celebrations is the blessing of the river water after the Service of God. In Komańcza it is done in a simplified way. The faithful do not go to the river where there is a cross-shaped cavity (now the problem is also non-freezing water), but the blessing of water takes place in basins set up in the church square. This holiday testifies to changes in tradition and culture, and despite everything, it attracts interested people, apart from the faithful.
The text comes from the study "INVENTORY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES OF THE BORDERLAND - THE ETHNOCARPATHIA PROJECT" realized by the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University for the District Museum in Rzeszów.
Author: Mrs. Marta Graban-Butryn .
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