Life of Lasowiak: forest, agriculture, animal husbandry.
The basis for the existence of the Lasowiaks from the beginning of their development of the areas at the confluence of the Vistula and San rivers were agriculture, forestry and beekeeping. The most important, however, was management related to natural conditions, namely the exploitation of the forest, its resources and water use.
- Activities related to forest resources
The life and work of the Lasowiaks were inextricably linked with the forest. Initially, the main activity was logging and carpentry. The first settlers themselves had to obtain land for farms and crops. Over time, other crafts developed as well, such as beekeeping, hunting and charcoal production. Wicker, handicraft and rafting developed very well in the San valley.
In the area of the Sandomierz Forest there were large deposits of bog iron ore and sand, which in turn influenced the development of iron metallurgy (Ruda Jastkowska, Cmolas, Ocieka, Studzieniec) and glass industry (Niwiska, Bojanów). It was not until the mid-17th century that agriculture and livestock began to play a greater role. Over time, pottery centers (Łążek Garncarski, Dęba, Poręby Dębskie, Medynia Głogowska) and tanning centers developed in these areas.
Wood was the basic building material and raw material for the production of everyday things. Lasowiacy also produced, for example, tar and charcoal. It was common that everyone could make wooden objects for everyday use for their own needs.
However, for a long time the main occupation of the population was collecting undergrowth - fruit (berries, blackberries), mushrooms, as well as hunting (poaching) and fishing.
Another activity was beekeeping - that is bee breeding, which also played an important role, as honey was an essential element of food. Apiary developed equally strongly here. Honey was used for health purposes, but also commonly for sweetening food, baking, and making mead. Honey has been said to be one of the most precious gifts from God. In addition to honey, bee putty was also used for healing purposes and wax, mainly for the production of candles and candles.
At the end of the 19th century, people began to manufacture wooden toys, such as horses on wheels, horse-drawn carriages, birds - staves. Leżajsk and Brzóza Stadnicka were particularly famous centers. A factory producing such toys was even established in Leżajsk.
The furniture industry has also developed in the region. Here, the most famous center was Kolbuszowa. Kolbuszowa's furniture and oak floors were famous all over the country. Turners and locksmiths were also of great importance in these areas. Kolbuszowa is also famous for making violins, violas and basses.
Sokołów Małopolski was an important carpentry center. The main activity in the area was the production of wooden farm equipment. Pottery traditions have also survived in this area.
In the nineteenth century, numerous small breweries and much more distilleries operated in the forest areas.
Rudnik on the San was famous for its wicker, basketry and basketry making with the surrounding towns. Wicker items for everyday use were made, as well as larger items that were used in the household. Woven, for example, fences, baskets, parts of carts - the so-called half-baskets, fishing equipment, various kinds of decorations. Until today, Rudnik on the San remains the most important wicker center in the country.
- Cultivation of the land
Lasowiacy mainly cultivated cereals (rye, barley, tartar and millet). Wheat, barley and oats were grown much less and only for their own needs. Initially, potatoes were planted very little, the more popular was turnip, which was eaten mainly in the pre-harvest season. However, cabbage was planted the most. It was eaten in various forms, mainly pickled - shredded or whole heads. Onions, garlic, red beets, carrots and cucumbers were also grown from vegetables - which were also pickled for the winter. With herbs and spices, hay lovage, mustard, chives, rosemary, and sage. Broad beans, peas, lentils and later also beans were also popular. Everyone also grew flax, hemp and poppy seeds. Fruit trees grew next to each house and in the bays. Apples, pears and plums were dried and in winter they were made into compote or boiled and added to millet.
Often flax hay. Flax was used to make oil and linen, from which the housewives sewed bed linen, everyday clothes and festive costumes, "strains" for straining milk, or bags for cheese and dried fruit and herbs. Linseed was an inseparable element of folk medicine. On the other hand, hemp was used to make ropes, ropes and nets necessary in every farm.
- Breeding
Each farm had to have chickens, ducks and geese. They were grown mainly for eggs, which were then mostly sold. Geese and ducks were also bred for feathers. Poultry meat was prepared only on Sundays, and then the traditional chicken or rooster broth was prepared. Goose and duck meat usually complemented the festive table in the country kitchen.
Sometimes rabbits were also bred because they provided good and tender meat for a family of several. Rabbits were also used in skins, from which warm coats, hats and gloves were made. There had to be, at least, a cow on each farm. The cow produced milk, which was used in many ways. Usually, the farmer also had a horse, because it was the main help during work in the field, the so-called traction. Of course, pigs were also kept, but not on every farm. Pig slaughter was organized at least once a year, and the meat had to last for the whole year.
Venison played a significant role in the Lasowiaks. Hunting for hares was common. Partridges were also caught as snares. Such meat was soaked, for example, in milk, buttermilk, whey, seasoning it to taste with juniper fruit, rosemary, garlic, etc.
In rivers and ponds, crayfish, common in the old days, were caught and caught.
SOURCE:
"Źródła kultury ludowej Puszczy Sandomierskiej” edited by Krzysztof Ruszel, Kolbuszów 2014.
Kotula F., „Z Sandomierskiej Puszczy”, Kraków 1962.
Ruszel K., Lasowiacy, Rzeszów 1994
