Sakelars

Sakelars were a group of people, primarily of Slavic origin, who inhabited the regions of present-day Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia during the late medieval and early modern periods. Their name is believed to derive from the word "sokha," a type of wooden plow, suggesting a connection to agricultural labor and rural life. Sakelars were often associated with the peasantry and were known for their distinctive cultural practices and dialect.

Their societal structure was largely agrarian, with communities organized around villages and agricultural cycles. While not a distinct political entity, they were subjects of various regional powers, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Their lives were influenced by the prevailing feudal systems of the time, with obligations to landowners and local authorities.

Over centuries, the distinct identity of the Sakelars gradually merged with the broader East Slavic populations. Cultural and linguistic assimilation, along with political changes, led to the term becoming less commonly used. Today, the heritage and customs associated with the Sakelars are considered part of the historical tapestry of Eastern European cultures, particularly contributing to the folk traditions of the regions they once inhabited. Their legacy is primarily studied through historical texts and ethnographic research.