Alsatians

a nationality comprising the inhabitants of Alsace; a French national minority. According to a 1975 estimate, the Alsatians number 1,400,000. Their literary languages are French and German. About three-fourths of religious believers are Roman Catholics; the rest are Lutherans and Calvinists.

The Alsatians developed from Celtic tribes influenced by the Germans, especially the Alamanni. Their ethnographic uniqueness is explained by their location on the border between France and Germany, to both of which they have belonged in the course of history. The democratic principles of the French Revolution played a decisive role in the formation of the Alsatian ethnic consciousness. From 1871 to 1918, when Alsace belonged to Germany, the Alsatians resisted enforced germanization; from 1940 to 1945 they joined with the French in their struggle against the fascist German invaders.

The Alsatians have preserved their traditional culture, including its folklore and festivals at which national costumes and dances are demonstrated. About 50 percent of the Alsatians are employed in various industries, and about 11 percent in agriculture.

REFERENCE

Narody zarubezhnoi Evropy, vol. 2. Moscow, 1965.

References in periodicals archive ?

Cairns told the court that the alsatians were owned by her partner Tony Thackeray and she not only had nothing to do with them but did not even like dogs.

Alsatians must be put down after 3rd attack; OWNER OF SAVAGED JACK RUSSELL TELLS COURT OF HORRIFIC INCIDENT IN STREET

In her last chapter she examines French and Alsatian reactions to Nazism, resistance, and French women's enfranchisement.

Marianne or Germania? Nationalizing Women in Alsace, 1870-1946

"The dogs, large alsatians, were still in the fields and I could see them going towards other sheep.

Sheep's bodies were everywhere ...it was like a war zone; ALSATIANS SAVAGE FARMER'S LIVESTOCK Police forced to shoot dog after vicious attack

* I READ in the Telegraph (May 27) about a man who neglected his dog, which you described as an Alsatian.

Pen points

The region of Alsace, located between France and Germany, was a trophy of war four times between 1870 and 1945, causing Alsatians to invoke regionalism to defend their interests against the nationalist claims of the two countries.

Alsace to the Alsatians?; visions and divisions of Alsatian regionalism, 1870-1939

"When the owner came outside, he managed to control the alsatians but contacted paramedics when it was obvious the 21-year-old was badly injured.

ALSATIANS MAUL MAN, 21,TO DEATH

Warfare has had a strong psychological impact on the Alsatians and Lorrains.

Caught in the crossfire: as the Maginot Line celebrates its 70th anniversary, John Gimlette travels to Alsace-Lorraine to discover a region that's often been at the very hub of European warfare

West Mercia Police spokesman said: "We are investigating these incidents along with a report that two Alsatians and a Rottweiler were seen loose on March 7.

Sheep worriers face bullet; Local News Extra PERSHORE

A spokesman for Pershore Police said: "We are investigating these incidents along with a report that two Alsatians and a Rottweiler were seen loose at Peopleton Rough on March 7.

Owners warned pets may be shot after farm livestock attacks

Since everyone seems to have a personal definition, I decided to go back to the originals and see what the common threads may in fact be between Alsatian Pinot Gris and Pinot Gris made in the "Alsatian style." After all, the Alsatians have been working with Pinot Gris for more than 400 years, which is a solid track record, so I wanted to discover what they had to offer to today's growing throng of Pinot Gris drinkers.

What is "Alsatian-style" Pinot Gris?

Yet the worst insult you can throw at the Alsatians is to assume that they are Germans.

Two fingers up to the French

The Dangerous Dogs Act clearly states that every type of dog is potentially dangerous, not just Alsatians and Dobermans.