Miners’ Day
Slovenian miners observe their holiday on 3 July, in commemoration of the five-day hunger strike that the miners of the Zasavje region began on 3 July 1934. Since 1961, when the first cohort of pupils completed their education at the then industrial mining school in Velenje, the miners of Velenje have celebrated their professional holiday with the traditional jump over the leather apron performed by young miners.
Jump over the leather apron
The ‘jump over the leather apron’ originates in the sixteenth century, when the ceremonial reception of novices was introduced in Czech and Slovak mines. More or less in accordance with old customs, it is preserved in some parts of Europe (Austria, the Czech Republic); in Slovenia, however, it is observed at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering on the occasion of admitting graduates in mining and geotechnology into the miners’ order, and in Velenje.
The foundation of the custom was formerly, and remains today, the admission of novices into the ranks of veteran miners. In accordance with the original custom, novices were required to jump over a mine shaft. When the openings of the shafts became excessively wide, the jump over a shaft was replaced by the jump over the leather apron. The leather apron is a piece of calfskin fitted with a strap and belts, which the miner had fastened to his person so as to cover his backside. He descended along the chutes into the underground workings; it protected him from moisture.
Today the novices, clad in miners’ uniforms, are received a single file in commemoration of the narrow mine galleries. They perform the jump as follows: they step onto barrels in front of which two senior members of the community hold a leather apron; they state their personal particulars and the password; they answer any questions the master of ceremonies may have; they drink a mug of beer; and they leap from the barrel to their mining godfather. By jumping over the leather apron, the novice receives a mining godfather, a protector who advises him at work and in times of hardship.
When all the novices have completed the initiation, they make a solemn vow to carry out their profession honestly and to respect the traditions of the order. They hand the key and the lamp to the younger generation of miners-in-training, then empty their beer mugs and exclaim: May our miners’ greeting ‘Good luck!’ live on for ever!
With a firm handshake, the senior miners wish them ‘Good luck’ and welcome them to the miners’ lodge, thereby admitting them into their ranks. The official part of the reception for novices is thus concluded; a convivial gathering then begins, which the older attendees chiefly use as an opportunity to reminisce.
Unwavering belief in mutual assistance among miners is a source of strength in overcoming fear of the mysterious subterranean forces and a bond that imparts a distinctive charm to the profession. The miners’ salutation is ‘GOOD LUCK’, and, if anywhere, luck is necessary in mining. It is fortunate that you find ore, and it is fortunate that you return from the mine in good health.