Basketry, harvest wreaths, demijohns

BasketryBranches and rods of willow, birch and hazel have been used in all peasant households to make containers, baskets, fences, cart sides, etc. Baskets and containers made of these rods are once again popular in households today. Rods of bulrush are used to cover and build the handle of demijohns, carboy-like glass containers for transporting liquids.

After the harvest, harvesters would march to the landowner’s residence with a harvest wreath. These wreaths were made in different shapes, as spirals, crowns or actual wreaths, and were adorned with flowers and bands of various colors. In many of the Hungarian Reformed Presbyterian churches in Transylvania a wheat wreath (reminiscent of a chandelier in shape) hangs from the ceiling, symbolizing the bread of the Eucharist and Providence of the Lord.  Harvest wreaths and minor decorations made of straw are very popular ornamental objects today.

Éva Székely

Éva teaches basket weaving and also teaches preparation courses for professional basketry exams. She has been a longtime participant at Dance-house gatherings and the Festival of Arts and Crafts, national art camps, and professional fairs. In 1976 she received the Young Master of Folk Arts award, and her work has garnered a number of prizes at various fairs and expos.

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