Q & A

What are definitive "markers" that can always distinguish between Rusyns and Ukrainians? (Anne Nagrant)

A key difference is that Rusyns and Ukrainians are tribally (genetically) different peoples. Rusyns are Bili Horvaty (White Croats) intermixed with Rus'. Ukrainians are Rus' mixed with non-Slav Central Asian tribes – Sarmatians, Scythians, Pechenegs, etc. This makes Rusyns as different from Ukrainians as Ukrainians are from Russian (who are Rus' mixed with Finnic tribes). We are all "cousins," but certainly not the same immediate family.

Now if the Lemkos are Rusyns, it is because they too are Bili Horvaty/Rus’. However, the histories of the Subcarpathian Rusyns and the Lemkos are different for the first several hundred years (Lemkos lived under Poland/Lithuania and Galician Rus', while Subcarpathians lived under Hungary). But it must be remembered that the Lemkos and Subcarpathian Rusyns had regular contact across the border at nearly all times in history. When it comes to culture, there are several commonalities – for one, Subcarpathian Rusyn and Lemko dance styles are the same, but they are different from the other Galicians (i.e., the Poles and Ukrainians). Similarly, Subcarpathian Rusyn and Lemko foods are very much the same, whereas Ukrainians have no hrutka, palačinke, and so on.

Rusyn culture is historically centered on shepherding, while Ukrainian culture is historically agricultural.

Even religious symbols are different between the two groups. The three-barred cross was not a traditional symbol for Ukrainians, but it has always had a presence in Subcarpathian Rus’ (whether the bottom bar is slanted or straight). The Rusyns look to St. Nicholas as their patron saint, while the Ukrainians look to St. Vladimir. And the Rusyns trace their conversion to Christianity to the missionary activity of Cyril and Methodius, while Ukrainians trace theirs to the conversion of St. Vladimir many years later.

Beyond all of this, there are also differences in national demeanor. Ukrainians have a strong sense of nationality and nationalism and are action-oriented politically. Rusyns tend to be more passive, less politically active, and have a stronger focus on inclusion and religiosity. John Righetti, President, Carpatho-Rusyn Society.

Back in 1991-1992, I conducted surveys among Lemkos whom I encountered at festivals, holidays, etc., in various parts of Poland. One of the questions I asked was, "What in your opinion are the differences - if any - between Lemkos and Ukrainians?" The purpose of the question was to reveal stereotypes and how they might be used by people to define identity.

To paraphrase one of the typical responses: "Lemkos are a gentle, modest, quiet, hard-working people. Ukrainians are arrogant and intolerant." Those respondents with a Ukrainian national identity orientation were more likely to respond: "There is no difference between Ukrainians and Lemkos. They are the same people and this is a stupid question."

For myself personally, I will say that "ethnic" and "national" identity are social constructs that were much less common 300 years ago than they are today. I have never been able to compile a definitive list of "characteristics" - or what have you - to distinguish Lemkos and Ukrainians from one another with any degree of accuracy. I just go by self-ascription: if the person says she is "X," then she is "X." That's good enough for me and I don't sweat the small stuff. As far as stereotypes go, there is always an element of truth to stereotypes, but also a large dose of misconception. I use stereotypes more for "entertainment value" than for insight. Susyn Mihalasky, Lemko Historian.