Lipovans facts for kids
The Lipovans are a special group of people, mostly from Russia, who follow an old Christian faith called the Old Believers. They settled a long time ago in the beautiful Danube River delta, which is a watery area where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. Most Lipovans live in eastern Romania, especially in a region called Dobruja. You can also find smaller groups in parts of Ukraine and Bulgaria.
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Who are the Lipovans?
The Lipovans are a unique community with strong traditions. They are mainly of Russian background. Their name, "Lipovan," comes from their history and where they settled. They are known for keeping their culture and faith alive for many generations.
What are Old Believers?
To understand Lipovans, it helps to know about the Old Believers. This is a group of Christians who separated from the main Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century. They did this because they disagreed with some changes made to church rituals and books. The Old Believers wanted to keep their older ways of worship. The Lipovans are one of these Old Believer groups.
Where do Lipovans live?
Most Lipovans live in the Danube River delta. This is a large wetland area where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea. It's a place with many small rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Lipovans in Romania
A large number of Lipovans live in Romania. According to a count in 2002, there were about 35,791 Lipovans in Romania. More than half of them, about 21,623 people, live in the Dobruja region. This region is in eastern Romania, near the Black Sea. The Tulcea county is a main area for Lipovan communities.
Lipovans in Ukraine and Bulgaria
Besides Romania, Lipovans also live in other countries. You can find them in the southwestern part of Odessa Oblast in Ukraine. This area is known as Budjak. There are also Lipovans in Chernivtsi Oblast in Ukraine. In Bulgaria, there are two villages in the northeastern part of the country where Lipovans have settled.
Culture and traditions
Lipovans are known for their strong community spirit. They have kept many of their old customs, language, and religious practices. Their churches are important centers for their communities. They often have unique styles of dress and celebrate holidays in traditional ways.
Language
The Lipovans speak a special dialect of the Russian language. It has kept many old words and sounds that are no longer common in modern Russian. They also often speak the language of the country they live in, like Romanian or Ukrainian.
Religion and daily life
Religion is a very important part of Lipovan life. Their faith guides their daily actions and traditions. They follow strict rules about fasting, prayer, and church services. Their churches are often beautifully decorated and serve as a place for the community to gather.
History of the Lipovans
The Lipovans left Russia in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were trying to escape religious persecution. This means they were treated badly because of their beliefs. They found new homes in areas like the Danube Delta, where they could practice their faith freely.
Settling in the Danube Delta
The Danube Delta offered a safe place for the Lipovans. It was a remote area with plenty of natural resources. They became skilled at fishing and farming in this watery environment. Over time, they built their own villages and churches, creating strong communities.
Images for kids
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Lipovans in Vylkove, Ukraine
