Sorvágást

Sorvágást is a Hungarian term that translates to "ice cutting" or "ice sawing." Historically, it refers to the practice of harvesting ice from frozen bodies of water during winter. This harvested ice was then stored and used for various purposes throughout the year, most notably for refrigeration before the advent of mechanical ice-making and refrigeration technologies.

The process of sorvágást involved specialized tools, often large saws designed to cut through thick ice. Teams of people would work together to extract large blocks of ice, which were then transported and stored in insulated ice houses. These structures were typically built underground or with thick walls and packed with insulating materials like sawdust or straw to keep the ice from melting. The ice was primarily used to preserve food, especially in industries like brewing, dairy production, and meatpacking. It also found use in cooling drinks and providing relief during hot weather.

In many regions, sorvágást was a significant communal activity and a crucial part of the winter economy. The practice declined with the widespread adoption of electrical refrigeration in the 20th century, making it largely obsolete. Today, sorvágást is primarily remembered as a historical tradition, sometimes recreated for cultural events or educational purposes to illustrate past methods of preservation and daily life.