Palóc embroidery is characterized traditionally by stylized motifs. Mostly red-blue, geometric and floral patterns are known, but animal and bird shapes can also be found. There are usually a central blooming flower element on the embroideries, for example carnation, rose or lily of the valley. They are the symbols of devotional love. They are enriched with buds, leaves, oaks, and kernels, wich symbolizes the circle of life.
The Palóc are a unique subgroup of Hungarians who can today be found living in north-east Hungary and southern Slovakia.
The tisztaszoba (lit. clean room) in the Palóc Museum
Their origins are shrouded in mystery but they are thought to be a branch of the Cuman tribe who were pushed out of their homeland by the Mongols in 1237 and fled west to central Europe.
Distribution of the Palóc today
To the outsider, the Palóc people seem no different from other Hungarians/Slovakians but their culture and way of life is subtly different, a fact quite evident to their fellow countrymen and women.
In a country where the Hungarian language varies little from region to region, the Palóc dialect and accent is quite distinctive.
Reconstruction of a traditional wedding in the Palóc Folk Museum. The
“cifrakalács” is that large, elaborately decorated monster to the left
Their embroidery, carved wooden utensils, pottery, decorative painting, clothing, linen, agricultural implements and even their cooking all differ from those around them.
Examples of all of these objects can be seen in the museum, there is even a model of a “cifrakalács” (see picture above), an elaborately decorated cake traditionally baked and eaten at weddings.
The differences do not end there, their rituals and celebrations are also unique. In the Palóc museum you can see a reconstruction of a wedding, and video of the Palóc at play - singing and dancing - and at work -tending the fields, weaving etc.
An example of Palóc embroidery
If you are interested in folklore, then this exhibition is well worth a visit opening up the world of a unique ethnic culture.
Eger is just one stop on the so-called `Palóc Út` (lit: Palóc Way), a marked route that takes in all the significant Palóc settlements including the World Heritage sight, Hollókő.
Palóc women in traditional dress. If you travel the Palóc Way you will see a lot of this
Source: http://www.ieger.com/paloc.html
