This article was first published in the Krakow journal Wierchy in 1935. It was reprinted in Narodny novynky on January 26, 1994, and again in the September/October 1995 issue of The New Rusyn Times. This last version was translated into English by Andrew Huzinec. Most recently, Brother Mark Zavatsky included it in his Christmas greetings!
Although the article is 60 years old, it is said that much of what was written is still holds true.
Osturnja is a large village which lies between two peaks of the Spisska Magura. There are only a few woods and the fields for pasture are on high slopes. People in Osturnja are not wealthy, who work in agriculture mainly raising cattle. The homes are built on both sides of the road. Rye, oats, and potatoes are cultivated in the fields of the Osturnja landlord, and sheep and cattle are also raised. According to local tradition, the name of the village comes from the word turnja (tower) of the old wooden church. In Osturnja there is a Greek Catholic church, which like in other Rusyn villages stands beyond the stream.
Entering the church one can read the plaque from which it was blessed which is printed in Old Church Slavonic. The people of Osturnja speak a mixed Goral and Rusyn dialect. Just like their language, the mixed influence shows in their way of dress. On Sundays the men and women are dressed in beautiful fashions. Their coats are made from white cloth with rich embroidery, and the dresses are also wearing embroidered shirts. Even more beautiful are the fashions of the dressed-up young brides.
People are open, honest, free, generous of nature, accustomed to hard work. Many traditions are entrenched here; the people believe in witchcraft. Osturnja's houses make for beautiful architecture. The natural setting of the Osturnja area is made more beautiful by Lake Magura. The people of Osturnja call it Jarus Pool or Jarus Lake. Of more interest is Danko Pool or Talarcik Loch, or by another name, the Lake on Kopersak.
Below is a poem written by Ivan Iv. Vavrinchik, who is believed to have been a teacher who worked for a while in Osturna in the 1930s. It is taken from the Kalendar A. R. S. Sojedinenija (Sokol Kalendar) of 1934. The translation is not exact, but the reader will understand the idea of what is being said.
Near Tatry
There exists a beautiful world near Tatry
The young ladies grow up here, like flowers
There is no craft between people
There is no cunning
Near Tatry
Under snow-white Tatry Between deep rivers Stretches Osturnya
From Frankova to Turnya
Near Tatry
People live here in poor wood Houses from ancient times, Traditional in religion
And pure Rusyn in nationality
Near Tatry
Although the background is not so rich And the people are not well educated Still I am so happy
To teach people here
Near Tatry
Last modified on Mon Feb 05 19:47:00 1996