It was hard work, but there was no other way anyway. It was necessary to go to the meadows early, because it was much easier to eat the grass when it was still dewy. Before this task, it was necessary to prepare the scythe and to be concluded. The scythe also had to be sharpened several times during the task itself, so the scythes were around the waist all the time. osovnek. This is a sleeve containing water and an oslom (grinding stone), which was used to sharpen the scythe as needed. Although this work was considered to be more for men, there was always a woman somewhere who could wield the scythe. The wives and girls would carefully prepare a snack which they would later bring to the men for the men. likof.
This is a wonderful tradition that is still being preserved in some parts of Slovenia. And rightly so, because this is how we remain aware of our roots and Slovenian cultural heritage.
On the morning of June, the Lovrenc Tourist Board organised the 18th hand mowing of Cavsar hill on Raka. The traditional event gathered 60 participants and started mowing the two-hectare meadow at 6:30 am. The men came with bulky scythes and the women with rakes. The event also included a demonstration of scythe grinding with a whetstone. First cut was made by the oldest participant, aged 84, to open the mowing. He was immediately followed by others. First it was the turn of the women to cut the grass, and then the women raked the grass to help it dry. What makes Cavsar Hill so special is the terrain, which is quite steep. It cannot be mown in any other way than by hand. It was also good to see some of the younger generation taking part in the event. This is a way of preserving the heritage of this skill, because nowadays it is hardly ever mown in this way any more.
As usual, this year the workers had their snacks delivered by cart. The latter was prepared by the Farmers' Wives' Association in cooperation with the Tourist Board. Musicians, accompanied by local folk singers, also provided a cheerful atmosphere. During the pleasant event, a few more awards were presented and the guests stayed for quite some time. Discussions were also held about the organisation of next year's event, as everyone present was supportive of both the genuine work and the socialising.
The demonstration of traditional scythe mowing is an ethnologically supported event, as it shows this a traditional farm chore.
Andreja Bakšič Grozdina, 22.6.2025
English (UK) 
Slovenščina 
Italiano 
Magyar