Slavic Genealogy

Within the Yugoslav Republic the Slavic inhabitants of the republic are called Macedonians, although names such as Slav Macedonians are used to distinguish them from the Greek Macedonians who live in the northern Greek province of Macedonia.

This area is located by the Aegean Sea, bordering Greece, Bulgaria and Albania. The official language in use is called “Macedonian.” In looking at Slavic genealogy the majority of Slav Macedonians are Orthodox Christians. Central to their beliefs are the primacy of the Holy Trinity and the importance of saints as examples of Christian living. Great celebrations are focused around religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

The Slavs have splendid examples of their traditional artwork in the hundreds of churches and monasteries. The Slav Macedonian art was originally influenced by Byzantine art, they keep a strong emphasis on nature.

The basic Slavic household unit is the extended family, which often included three or more generations, all related through the father is important in Slavic genealogy. Arranged marriages have been traditional for the family. The main social organization is that of zadrugas or clans. They become an extension of the extended family, very necessary for farming and herding, clearing of land, defense, and military servitude. When the group became too large, it broke into smaller groups.

Slavic music is rich, but has highly irregular rhythms. Polyrhythmic combinations are common in their music. Their foods include Borscht (also borsch or borshch) which is a vegetable soup. It usually includes beet-roots, which gives it a strong red color. Another Slavic dish is blini. It is a thin and served hot, with lots of different types of stuffing. Then, there are pierogies served sautéed, baked, fried and even grilled. It is made of flour, eggs and sour cream.