Sorbs

The Sorbs are an indigenous West Slavic ethnic group who mainly live in the parts of Lusatia located in the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg. They are also known as Lusatians, Lusatian Serbs, and Wends. The Sorbs have their own languages, Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian, which are closely related to Polish and Czech.

In the Early Middle Ages, the Sorbs had their own principality. Later, they became part of larger empires such as Samo's Empire and Great Moravia, and were eventually included in the Holy Roman Empire. Over time, many Sorbs adopted the German language, especially during the Nazi era when efforts were made to Germanize them. Today, the Sorbs are mostly Roman Catholic, though 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," while others believe it may come from an old Iranian-Sarmatian word.

History

Early Middle Ages

The name of the Sorbs dates back to at least the 6th century. An ancient record mentions people called Cervetiis living near the Elbe River, separated from another group by that river. Later records from around the same time refer to them as Ciervisti, Zerbisti, and Kirvisti. They were part of a larger group of Slavic tribes and lived in areas near the Saale and Elbe rivers.

These tribes were led by a duke named Dervan and joined a bigger group of Slavic tribes led by a leader named Samo after he won a big battle. After Samo’s death, the fate of these tribes is unclear, but they likely went back under the control of Frankish rulers.

Sorbs are mentioned in records from the 9th century. They lived near rivers like the Elbe, Saale, Spree, and Neisse, and split into two main groups based on where they lived. These two groups developed their own dialects, which later became separate languages. Some believe these groups are the ancestors of today’s Sorbs, known as the Milceni and Lusici.

Records from the 8th and 9th centuries talk about Sorbian leaders fighting against other rulers. German rulers later took control of their lands, leading to many uprisings by the Sorbs against this rule.

High and Late Middle Ages

In 1002, the Sorbs came under the rule of Poland for a time before returning to German control. Later, parts of their land were ruled by Czech leaders. During this period, there was a lot of mixing between German and Slavic rulers and leaders.

The Kingdom of Bohemia became important in the Holy Roman Empire but often fought with Poland. In German-controlled areas, Sorbs faced restrictions, and the German language and culture became more dominant.

From the 11th to the 15th century, the area saw growth in farming and more people moving in from other places. This led to a mix of German and Slavic place names that we can still see today. In the 1300s, using the Sorbian language in official matters was banned in some cities, though it was still used in families and everyday life.

Early modern period

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

In 1667, a ruler ordered all Sorbian books to be destroyed and banned religious services in their language. However, the church still printed Sorbian religious books to keep the faith alive. Later, during a time of new ideas, Sorbian culture and resistance to change grew stronger. Schools and groups to teach Sorbian priests and preachers were started.

Late modern period

After a big meeting in 1815, the Sorbian lands were split between two German states. More rules against using the Sorbian languages were introduced, and many Sorbs moved away to places like Texas and Australia. In 1848, Sorbs asked for equal rights for their language in churches, schools, and government, but it wasn’t granted.

By the late 1800s, industrialization and more German people moving in increased pressure on Sorbian culture. The German government banned Sorbian in schools, making almost everyone speak both languages.

Interbellum and World War II

Main article: Anti-Slavic sentiment

During a time called the Weimar Republic, Sorbian rights were supposed to be protected, but this didn’t really happen.

Under a later German government, Sorbs were seen as part of the German people who happened to speak a Slavic language. Their culture was controlled, and the Slavic language was expected to fade away. Young Sorbs were sent to fight in wars. Many Sorbs lived through difficult times during this period.

East Germany

After World War II, the Sorbs lived in a part of Germany called East Germany. The new government tried to support Sorbian culture by creating schools and organizations for them. However, there were also problems, like not allowing religious groups to operate freely and changing how farms were run, which caused some upset. Over time, the number of people speaking Sorbian languages went down.

East Germany allowed Sorbs more involvement in government than before. Sorbian leaders held important positions, 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 to. Since then, they continue to face challenges in keeping their culture alive. Some Sorbian schools have closed, and there are concerns about losing their cultural identity. Leaders have called for more support from the government 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, which was found in 65% of the men studied. Other types of DNA were found in smaller amounts.

Another study from 2011 looked at the overall DNA of Sorb people and 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, and the first book in the Sorbian language was printed in 1574. Over the centuries, important books and translations 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, like under Nazi rule, Sorbs continued to hold onto their traditions. Today, traditions such as Easter horseback riding, special festivals, and decorating eggs are still celebrated. The Sorbian language, though spoken by fewer people now, 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, especially 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, seeing it as a gift from God. 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 started using this flag in 1842, and it became well-known after a big meeting in Prague in 1848. Special rules in the laws of Brandenburg and Saxony 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 with beautiful decorations 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 with special headscarves 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 the year 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 an important group for the Sorbian people. It was started in 1912 and helps connect local groups and associations. It has around 7,300 members.

Foundation for the Sorbian People

Main article: Foundation for the Sorbian People

The Foundation for the Sorbian People works to protect and share the Sorbian language, culture, and traditions. It was created in 1991 and gets money from the government to help keep Sorbian traditions alive.

Institute for Sorbian Studies

On December 10, 1716, six Sorbian students started a group to study their language and culture. Today, the Institute for Sorbian Studies at Leipzig University teaches people to become Sorbian teachers and scholars. Students can learn both Upper and Lower Sorbian.

Sorbian Institute

Main article: Sorbian Institute

The Sorbian Institute is a research center in Bautzen and Cottbus. It studies the Sorbian language, history, and culture. It also helps keep Sorbian traditions alive through its projects.

Domowina Publishing House

Main article: Domowina Publishing House

The Domowina Publishing House prints books, newspapers, and magazines in the Sorbian language. It is located in Bautzen and has been operating since 1958.

Sorbian Museum

Main article: Sorbian Museum

The Sorbian Museum in Bautzen shows the history and culture of the Sorbian people from the 6th century to today. It also has special exhibitions about Sorbian artists and history.

Sorbian National Ensemble

The Sorbian National Ensemble is a music and dance theater that performs traditional and modern Sorbian styles. It tours many countries and is supported by the Foundation for the Sorbian People.

Schools and kindergartens

In Saxony and Brandenburg, there are schools where children can learn in both Sorbian and German. There are also kindergartens that teach Sorbian through everyday activities. The Sorbian School Association started a project called “Witaj” to help children learn Sorbian naturally.

Media

There are newspapers, magazines, and radio shows made 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 create Sorbian-language programs. These 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, sharing their history, customs, and traditional clothes. Another author, Wilhelm Bölsche, set parts of his novel Die Mittagsgöttin in the Spreewald, a place where many Sorbs lived. A more recent novel, Die Mittagsfrau by Julia Franck, tells a story about two sisters growing up in Bautzen and includes a special Sorbian legend.

Film and television

Documentaries have been made to 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 cultural background.

In 2007, a program explored the history and culture of the Sorbs. Another film made 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 Sorbian 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.