An ancient element of Hungarian folklore: the tulip motif

Important symbols of fertility and ancient religion, tulip motifs have been central elements of Hungarian folklore and everyday life. They have their origins in an era well before the Hungarians arrived in the Carpathian Basin.

Tulips (tulipán) are one of the most ancient floral motifs in Hungarian folklore. It has been argued in several sources that they have – together with the flower itself – Asian roots and come from territories east of Europe. According to Gábor Lükő ethnographer,

“Archaeological findings are proof that Turkic tribes had been applying this motif on their bronze strap ends and in other ornamentation for nearly one and a half thousand years.”

Examples are a Scythian find in Ziwiyeh, southern Caucasus from the 7th century BC, considered the oldest known piece with the tulip motif, and a sword hilt found in Levedi (Levédia), the territory north of the Black Sea which was assumed homeland of the Hungarian tribes in the 9th century. The tulip motif was therefore already in use among Hungarians when they arrived in the Carpathian Basin.

Later, the motif appeared in strap ends used in medieval Hungary, usually depicted on the two sides of a curly vine. The motif is also frequently used on Szekler gates from Transylvania, and many other works of carving and embroidery. In fact, as Magyarországom writes, the popular floral motifs used in Hungarian embroidery could actually originate from Kyrgyz and Yakut works such as saddle clothes.

According to Morzsafarm, the tulip motif was also used by several kings in Hungarian history: it appeared on the coat of arms of Béla III, the coins of Charles I, and the royal kitchenware of King Matthias, among others.