Such relics of the days when the Transylvanian peasant's lot was almost as hard as that of the Russian serf are now being replaced by more commodious homes. This is a cottage in Trascau, one of the "Szekler," or Hungarian, colonist villages established in Transylvania by the kings of Hungary some 700 years ago (see, also, text, page 319). THE GUEST ROOM IN A PEASANT HOME: VINGA, RUMANIA Photograph by Erdelyi The beds, piled high with gigantic feather pillows, are mainly for show and are not used except on very special occasions, such as the visit of some distinguished person. On the walls are numerous ikons, or holy pictures, along with a few family portraits. THIS TYPE OF PEASANT HOME IS DISAPPEARING IN TRANSYLVANIA AND IS BEING REPLACED BY STUCCO HOUSES The steep, high roof serves a dual purpose, forming a storeroom within and preventing snow from accumulating on it in winter. The foundation of hard-packed earth serves as a floor inside. The older boys of a family never sleep indoors in summer time, but use a cot on the porch or in the yard. The man standing is in characteristic Rumanian peasant costume-white homespun linen and broad, carved leather belt. |