Co znamená být slovenským Rusínem? Proměna etnické identity rusínské menšiny na Slovensku

This study focuses on the manifestations of ethnic identity of the Ruthenian population living in today’s Slovakia. This identity was (and still is) characterised by a relatively low divergence from the separate ethnicity, religion and language of the region. The study shows the change in ethnic identity together with the main recorded cultural elements from the 19th Century (based on references from literary sources and periodicals) to the present day (using data from qualitative field work). Ruthenian ethnic identity was primarily shaped by religion based on eastern rites which to a greater extent also formed other specific elements of Ruthenian culture – the use of language, celebration of holy days, adherence to fasting rules which were often combined with a specific cuisine. This paper also focuses on the reasons why according to official statistics there has been a significant increase in the Ruthenian population though it does not totally correspond to actual manifestations of Ruthenian ethnicity.