9
About the Saxons
These hardworking guests
Since the authors of these remarkable traces in Transylvania now remain in small numbers on the hills of this region, we decided to tell you a bit about them—who they are, who they were, and how they came to be here. Let's trace history once again to the beginnings of the colonization of the Kingdom of Hungary, which at that time stretched to the Carpathian arc.
The process of colonization began in the 12th century from the territories of Medieval Germany. The new population was made up of Flemish, Walloon, and Saxon people, though the name “Saxon” is not an ethnic label. It was a name given by the Hungarians to those who enjoyed increased privileges—initially granted to the Saxon miners—due to the exceptional importance of their craft.
Brought here by King Géza II to defend this borderland of the kingdom and to bring a dose of Western civilization, the Saxons proved to be, I quote: "very industrious, hardworking, with a great inclination towards managing cities, trading, and mastering all artisanal crafts. They are more careful and eager to increase their household's wealth and tools than any other people in this province, and, not coveting others' belongings, are content with their own." Thus, they are described in a 16th-century chronicle, and it's not the only account that speaks of their diligence and prosperity. It's true that their flourishing was also supported by the privileges granted by the Hungarian king, which were varied: they had land they could use without restrictions, exploiting both the soil and the subsoil, they were exempt from customs duties, they could hold markets without paying tolls, and later had the right to mint coins and organize into guilds.
In contrast to their excellent artisanal, commercial, and household skills, they seemed not to share the same zeal in military matters. Good defenders of their places and diligent in building fortifications that have stood the test of time, the Saxons fulfilled their military obligations to the crown, but their dominant traits remained more inclined toward gentleness and piety.
Originally Catholics, the Saxons became predominantly Lutheran in the 16th century under the influence of Johannes Honterus, who spread the provisions of the Reformation. In Biertan, however, the "Catholic Tower" still stands, with a small place of worship for those who chose to remain with their original faith.
Sliding through the centuries to our modern times, I’ll also tell you that the Transylvanian Saxons stood alongside the Romanians at the Great Union, through the proclamation at Mediaș. However, difficult times followed in the 20th century after Germany's defeat in World War II and the instauration of the communist regime in Romania. Thus, later after 1989, many of the remaining Saxons in Romania migrated to Germany.
While the German population in Romania during the interwar period numbered nearly 750,000 people, representing around 4.13% of the total population, today this proportion has fallen to 1.73%, just under 60,000 people. Even so, the Transylvanian Saxons have not forgotten their homeland, as they periodically return to Romania for various events and gatherings, keeping alive traditions inherited from previous generations.
Multiculturalism remains one of the precious treasures of our life on Earth, and the legacy left by the Transylvanian Saxon communities is substantial, even across centuries—a testament to the durability of their achievements.
Learn more about the fortified churches, Saxon houses, painted furniture, and traditional costumes, as well as their customs, traditions, neighborly bonds, and contemporary Saxon events in the next sections of this guide and beyond.
Text by Andrei Tache, documented and written during the Heritage Lab workshop in 2024. Audio guide created by Designers, Thinkers, Makers Association and the Municipality of Biertan, as part of the Culture & Cultures: Connecting the dots project, co-funded by the National Cultural Fund Administration.
Audio guide produced in 2024 via the Culture&Cultures. Connecting the dots project.
Inițiat de:
Finanțat de:
Proiectul nu reprezintă în mod necesar poziția Administrației Fondului Cultural Național. AFCN nu este responsabilă de conținutul proiectului sau de modul în care rezultatele proiectului pot fi folosite. Acestea sunt în întregime responsabilitatea beneficiarului finanțării.
Parteneri:
