| Abstract [eng] |
A family was constantly changing in the course of centuries. According to Stone L., there were three main turning points. The first one was an Open Lineage Family. The second turning point influenced a Restricted Patriarchal Nuclear Family. During the third turning point a Closed Domesticated Nuclear Family appeared. These turning points influenced the family relations, communication, social impact on them etc. Joniškis and Merkinė towns were not the exceptions. The following problems are analyzed in the Thesis: the family structure and the age of marriage, the number of children in a family, the material relations in a family, preparation for death and period of widowerhood/widowhood. A family of Joniškis town is, first of all, specific due to the fact that no strong and closed townspeople class was formed there. The citizens of Joniškis made their families with people from surrounding settlements, while the citizens of Merkinė town were much more closed. It might be determined by beggarly financial situation of suburb inhabitants. The marital status and age were also of the essence when making families: young people married eagerly the widowers/widows. The average age of marriage in the towns varied: in Joniškis it was from 27 years old for men and 23 years old for women; in Merkinė 26 – years old for men and 21 years old for women. The most important aspect of marriage was the financial independence and stability. The marriages were concluded in accordance with holidays. The children made the family foundation. Descendants helped not only in household activities, but they were also a kind of guarantee that the wealth would not fell into the wrong hands. The names to children were often given according to the day, on which a child was born, holy persons, in honour of parent, godparents etc. The popularity of names was changing quite rapidly. The christening ceremonies were held in the course of several weeks or days. One more difference of families from the mentioned towns was observed. In Merkinė town the number of children in a family was bigger than in a family of Joniškis town. In Merkinė there could be 3-6 children in a family, while in Joniškis – 2-4 children. Both parents contributed to child’s upbringing: a woman took part mainly in the early periods of live and the men – later, after a child grew up a little. Both in Joniškis and Merkinė town the doorbell babies were also typical. However, their number in Merkinė was incomparable smaller. Such a difference could be determined by a status of Joniškis as a frontier town and an easier migration in it thereof. The family relations were also revealed by legal acts and documents of Joniškis and Merkinė towns. They showed that certain property parts were granted to young people who were getting married. By the means of Testaments the citizens of Joniškis and Merkinė towns tried to guarantee the well-being not only of descendants, but also of their spouses. The inhabitants of these tows usually died in spring. The period of widowerhood/widowhood could last from several days up to 1 and more year. A family of Joniškis and Merkinė towns did not differ a lot from a European family. The only and probably the most significant difference was the openness of townspeople class. This feature is important due to the fact that it destroyed the uniqueness of town family behavior and communication. Due to this reason, when studying a Joniškis family it is difficult to notice this peculiarity. |
