Monday, November 16, 2009

Vasa Čarapić

Vasa Čarapić (VA-sah CHAR-ah-peech) was a famous general born in 1770 on Avala mountain, which overlooks Belgrade. He died in 1806 in the struggle for the liberation of Belgrade from the Turks. His last name comes from the word čarapa, which means 'sock,' and the story goes that one of his ancestors accidentally killed a Turk's dog, and in compensation, the Turk demanded a large sum of money. The money was collected and sent to him not in a sack, but in a sock.

I like how his cape is echoed by the roll-down blinds on the windows of the building behind him.

Does your last name mean anything?

20 comments:

Lowell said...

He has the look of a warrior if not a general...the sculpture is very well done and your photo is outstanding.

Yeah, my last name means I've got a bunch of Swedish ancestors ... I think.

Gaelyn said...

He looks like a confident man striding forward for his beliefs.
Funny where names come from.
Interesting post Bibi.

Hilda said...

I really like his pose and wind-blown cape!

Honestly, I have no idea if my last name (single or married) mean anything. But now you've got me interested in researching them…

James said...

I like statues and this one is great. It's like the wind is blowing on him.

Mara said...

I nearly got the prononciation right before I saw how to pronounce!

Anyway, my last name starts with a first name and then 'ma' added to it. The 'ma' apparently means son of. I've always liked that, even though I am not a son and my dad's first name is not the one in my last name!

GreensboroDailyPhoto said...

The picture is so dramatic. And the movement in the cape echoed in the buildings is brilliant!

B SQUARED said...

It looks like he is looking away from the building that is in need of repair.

Thérèse said...

I really don't think I would have liked to cross this man in the street... lol

Unknown said...

Katanic comes from "katanac", which means lock. Perhaps there were locksmiths in the family history?

Nice photo.

Marie-Noyale said...

Who needs a U-haul!!when you've got 4 wheels and some cord!

Marie-Noyale said...

Oooops Sorry this last message was meant for your last picture!!!
On this one I find the profile very elegant!!
No meaning that I know in my last name.

Jilly said...

I love this photograph, Bibi. The strength of this man is emphasised by his being sharp against that beautifully subdued background. Superb.

Alexa said...

Looks like a very haughty fellow indeed! I like the echo of the cape with the blinds too—that's your great eye at work. My maiden name means "a meadow bounded by a forest" in Old English.

Kim said...

That is a great photograph! What a dashing figure the sculpture makes him out to be. Love his profile!
-Kim

Leif Hagen said...

Great snap loaded with history, character and the feel of Belgrade!

Antjas said...

Before I read your commentary, I thought your title said, 'vaše čarape'. I'm sure he was teased about that. My father tells me that the Turks bestowed a lot of demeaning names on the citizens of Yugoslavia.

Anonymous said...

Bojanic comes from an ancestor in montenegro called "Bojana". But I think there's a river there too called Boja or Bojana..I'm not quite sure.

Gibepregiba said...

Panic comes from Pan, I think that is Polish or Czechs word for mister, ser... One of my ancestor obviously came from that part of Europe. I think it is more interesting how it is read in English :)

Thiago T-Z said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Soma said...

He looks even more decisive and eager for a fight from this side! :-) I'm really looking forward to your Belgrade photos after July!

SPRING FASHION

 This is a post that would be better in color, but maybe not. These colors were soooo pale.