Sorbs

The Sorbs are an indigenous West Slavic ethnic group. They mainly live in parts of Lusatia in the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg. They are also called Lusatians, Lusatian Serbs, and Wends.

The Sorbs have their own languages, Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian. These languages are related to Polish and Czech.

In the Early Middle Ages, the Sorbs had their own small kingdom. Later, they became part of bigger empires such as Samo's Empire and Great Moravia. They were also included in the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, many Sorbs began speaking German, especially during the Nazi era.

Today, most Sorbs are Roman Catholic, but some follow Lutheranism.

Etymology

Main article: Names of the Serbs and Serbia

The name "Sorbs" comes from an old group of people called the Sorbs. Long ago, around the 6th century, groups of Slavs moved into areas that were once home to Germanic peoples. The Sorbs have kept the name Srbi, which is also used by people called Serbs in the Balkans. In their language, other Slavs call the Sorbs "Lusatian Serbs," and the Sorbs call the Serbs "the south Sorbs." The name "Lusatia" originally referred only to Lower Lusatia. Scholars think the name *Sŕbъ comes from an ancient Slavic word meaning "family kinship" and "alliance."

History

Early Middle Ages

The Sorbs have been known since at least the 6th century. Old records mention people called Cervetiis living near the Elbe River. Later records called them Ciervisti, Zerbisti, and Kirvisti. They were Slavic tribes near the Saale and Elbe rivers.

These tribes followed a leader named Dervan. They joined a larger group led by Samo after he won a battle. After Samo died, what happened next is not clear, but they likely came under Frankish rulers.

Sorbs are noted in 9th-century records. They lived near rivers like the Elbe, Saale, Spree, and Neisse. They split into two groups, each developing their own language. Some think these groups are the ancestors of today’s Sorbs, the Milceni and Lusici.

Records from the 8th and 9th centuries show Sorbian leaders fighting other rulers. German rulers later took control, causing many uprisings.

High and Late Middle Ages

In 1002, the Sorbs were ruled by Poland for a time before returning to German control. Later, parts of their land were ruled by Czech leaders. During this time, German and Slavic rulers mixed.

The Kingdom of Bohemia became important in the Holy Roman Empire but often fought with Poland. In German areas, Sorbs faced limits, and German language and culture grew stronger.

From the 11th to the 15th century, farming grew and more people moved in. This created a mix of German and Slavic place names still seen today. In the 1300s, using Sorbian in official matters was banned in some cities, but people still used it at home and in daily life.

Early modern period

From the 1300s to the 1600s, the land was ruled by Bohemian kings. Sorbs were allowed back in cities and jobs, and their language was used more in public. But after the Thirty Years' War, the area suffered, leading to more German influence.

In 1667, a ruler ordered all Sorbian books destroyed and banned religious services in their language. However, the church still printed Sorbian religious books. Later, Sorbian culture grew stronger, and schools and groups for Sorbian teachers were started.

Late modern period

After a big meeting in 1815, Sorbian lands were split between two German states. More rules against the Sorbian languages were made, and many Sorbs moved to places like Texas and Australia. In 1848, Sorbs asked for equal rights for their language but were not granted them.

By the late 1800s, industrialization and more German people moving in put pressure on Sorbian culture. The German government banned Sorbian in schools.

Interbellum and World War II

Main article: Anti-Slavic sentiment

During the Weimar Republic, Sorbian rights were supposed to be protected but were not.

Under a later German government, Sorbs were seen as German people who spoke a Slavic language. Their culture was controlled, and the language was expected to fade. Young Sorbs were sent to fight in wars. Many Sorbs lived through hard times.

East Germany

After World War II, the Sorbs lived in East Germany. The new government tried to support Sorbian culture with schools and groups. However, there were problems, like not allowing religious groups to operate freely. Over time, fewer people spoke Sorbian languages.

East Germany allowed Sorbs more involvement in government. Sorbian leaders held important jobs, and there were schools and magazines in the Sorbian language.

After reunification

After Germany reunited in 1990, Sorbs tried to create their own region but were not allowed. Since then, they face challenges keeping their culture alive. Some Sorbian schools have closed, and there are worries about losing their cultural identity. Leaders have asked the government for more support to protect Sorbian culture.

Population genetics

Studies from 2013 and 2015 looked at the DNA of people from the Sorb community in Lusatia. They found that the most common type of DNA among Sorb men who speak Upper Sorbian is called R1a. Other types of DNA were found in smaller amounts.

Another study from 2011 looked at the overall DNA of Sorb people. It found they are most similar to people from Poland, followed by people from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This matches how their languages are related.

Language and culture

The Sorbs have a rich history of language and literature. The oldest known piece of Sorbian writing is from around 1530. The first book in the Sorbian language was printed in 1574. Important books were made, including the Bible and parts of the Old and New Testaments.

Many famous Sorbian writers and poets helped keep their culture alive. In the 19th and 20th centuries, groups like the Domowina worked to protect Sorbian culture. Even during hard times, Sorbs held onto their traditions. Today, traditions such as Easter horseback riding, special festivals, and decorating eggs are still celebrated. The Sorbian language remains an important part of their identity.

Main article: Sorbian languages

Many traditions remain, especially Easter horseback riding, the Bird Wedding, and painting Easter eggs. Beliefs from old Slavic myths are still part of life today. In some areas, people still wear traditional clothes on special occasions. These customs help keep Sorbian culture strong.

Most Sorbs who still speak the Upper Sorbian language are Catholic. In the past, most Sorbs were Protestant, but over time, the language stayed stronger in Catholic areas. The Catholic Church helped protect the Sorbian language. Today, Catholic communities are where the Sorbian language is most alive.

National symbols

The flag of the Lusatian Sorbs has three horizontal stripes: blue, red, and white. People first used this flag in 1842, and it became well-known after a big meeting in Prague in 1848. Special rules say how the flag and other symbols can be used.

The national anthem of the Lusatian Sorbs is a song called Rjana Łužica, which means "Beautiful Lusatia." Before this, other songs were used as anthems.

Regions of Lusatia

There are three main regions of Lusatia, each with its own language, religion, and customs.

In Upper Lusatia, the Upper Sorbian language is still used by many people. In some towns, most of the people are Sorbs, and children often grow up speaking Sorbian. People wear special costumes on holidays and at weddings. They celebrate traditions like the Bird Wedding, Easter events, and other special days.

In the area from Hoyerswerda to Schleife, people speak a mix of Upper and Lower Sorbian. This area has many old wooden buildings and people wear special costumes, especially older women. They enjoy playing bagpipes and have many traditional festivals.

In Lower Lusatia, around Cottbus, mostly older people speak Lower Sorbian, while younger people usually speak German. Some schools teach in both languages. This area is known for its beautiful marshlands and canals. People wear colorful costumes on holidays, and they have many traditions like Easter bonfires and Christmas celebrations.

Relations with other Slavic nations

Relations with Poland

The Sorbs and Poles have a long history of friendship. In 1002, Polish leader Bolesław I helped the Sorbs by allowing them into towns and cities. Later, in the 18th century, Polish and Sorbian scholars worked together to translate important books.

In the 19th century, Polish writers and poets became friends with Sorbian leaders, sharing ideas and supporting each other’s cultures. Even in tough times during World War II, Polish leaders stood up for the Sorbs, hoping they could live freely and independently.

Relations with Czechia

Lusatia, the land where Sorbs live, was sometimes ruled by Czech leaders. During these times, Sorbs were allowed to use their language and keep their traditions. Many towns in the area still show signs of Czech influence today.

Relations with Yugoslavia

After World War II, leaders from Yugoslavia showed support for the Sorbs, helping them protect their culture and rights. They worked together to rebuild important Sorbian places and keep their traditions alive.

Relations with Slovakia

Slovak leaders and organizations have also supported the Sorbs, working with them to keep their culture strong and respected. In recent years, groups from Slovakia have visited Sorbs to strengthen these friendly ties.

Demography

The number of Sorbs has changed over many years. In the middle of the 1800s, there were about 40,000 Upper Sorbs and between 15,000 and 20,000 Lower Sorbs, who speak Lower Sorbian. Their dialects can differ depending on where they live.

Many Sorbs moved to other places during the 1840s. Some went to Australia, especially to South Australia like the Barossa Valley, and also to Victoria and New South Wales.

A group of over 500 Sorbs led by a pastor named Jan Kilian traveled to Galveston in 1854. They settled in a place called Serbin in Lee County, Texas. Their language lasted until the 1920s. Today, a museum there tells their story.

Institutions

Domowina

Main article: Domowina

The Domowina is a group that helps the Sorbian people. It started in 1912 and has many members.

Foundation for the Sorbian People

Main article: Foundation for the Sorbian People

The Foundation for the Sorbian People works to protect Sorbian culture. It was started in 1991 and gets money from the government.

Institute for Sorbian Studies

On December 10, 1716, six students started a group to study their language. Today, the Institute for Sorbian Studies at Leipzig University teaches people about Sorbian.

Sorbian Institute

Main article: Sorbian Institute

The Sorbian Institute is a research center. It studies Sorbian history and culture.

Domowina Publishing House

Main article: Domowina Publishing House

The Domowina Publishing House prints books in Sorbian. It is in Bautzen and has been open since 1958.

Sorbian Museum

Main article: Sorbian Museum

The Sorbian Museum in Bautzen shows Sorbian history and culture.

Sorbian National Ensemble

The Sorbian National Ensemble is a music and dance group. It performs Sorbian styles and travels to many places.

Schools and kindergartens

In Saxony and Brandenburg, some schools teach children in Sorbian and German. There are also kindergartens that teach Sorbian. The Sorbian School Association started a project to help children learn Sorbian.

Media

There are newspapers, magazines, and radio shows in the Sorbian languages. Two newspapers are published: Serbske Nowiny in Upper Sorbian and Nowy Casnik in Lower Sorbian. There are also magazines for children, culture, and religion.

Radio stations like Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk and Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg make Sorbian-language programs. These programs are broadcast from places like Calau and Hoyerswerda. There are special shows for children on these stations.

Television also has Sorbian programs. Since 1992, there has been a show called Łužyca in Lower Sorbian. Since 2001, there has been a show called Wuhladko in Upper Sorbian. Some popular shows are also available with Sorbian audio.

Sorbian in literature, film, and television

Literature

The writer Theodor Fontane wrote about the Sorbs in his book Walks through the March of Brandenburg. He shared their history, customs, and clothes. Another author, Wilhelm Bölsche, set parts of his novel Die Mittagsgöttin in the Spreewald, where many Sorbs lived. A recent novel, Die Mittagsfrau by Julia Franck, tells a story about two sisters growing up in Bautzen. It includes a Sorbian legend.

Film and television

Documentaries show how Sorbs celebrate traditions, like putting up a Maypole. An animated film tells a Sorbian fairy tale and shows their wedding customs. In 2010, a television crime story featured a young man from a Sorbian family exploring his background.

In 2007, a program explored the history and culture of the Sorbs. Another film that year looked at Sorbs living in eastern Germany. A 2020 documentary highlights Sorbian filmmakers and their work.

A short series from 2022 follows a Sorbian girl named Hanka who loves folk songs but dreams of making rap music. The series shows her journey to find her own voice.

In April 2024, a new documentary called Bei uns heißt sie Hanka premiered in theaters. The film follows someone searching for their Sorbian identity.