Original scientific paper

Žumberčani – a Croatian Sub-Ethnic Group

Nada Hranilović ; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Most ethnic groups (ethnie) are composed of smaller “ethnographic” and sub-ethnic groups, in which – due to a common existence in shared spaces – a closeness is felt in the most diverse areas of cultural creativity. The Croatian ethnic community (unity), whose richness in cultural creativity is shown in the existence of many sub-ethnic groups, is a typical example. In the paper, the author discusses the genesis of one such Croatian ethnic group, whose roots go back to the 16th century, and which is denoted by the regional name – Žumberčani. Among the essential traits of this sub-ethnic group, the author notes a strong awareness of belonging to the Croatian ethnie, a strong attachment to their “Uskok” (refugee) origin (which appears today more as a myth), East¬ern-Rite Catholic religion, and a well preserved popular tradition. The paper also notes the pronounced depopulation trend in the area of Žumberak, which could, in the future, bring about the extinction of this Croatian sub-ethnic group.

Keywords

sub-ethnic group; ethnie; Croats; Žumberčani

Hrčak ID:

127708

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/127708

Publication date:

28.12.1990.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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