Hungaricums: Parts of Hungary around the World
Under hungaricums, in the collection of Hungarian values are some of the most popular things known in Europe. Footballer Puskás Ferenc, Ghoulash, Tokaj Wine, Racka Sheep, and Lake Balaton all belong to the same list. An article by Outlook highlights everything there is to know about this collection.
National Identity in today’s fast-paced, rapidly moving world with no boundaries is difficult to inculcate. Hence, Hungary came up with a creative way to nurture its people’s patriotism: they launched the promotion of typical attributes of National Pride from the Rubik’s Cube to Debrecen Sausages. Keeping in theme with the name of the country, the National treasury is aptly named Hungaricums and is constantly expanded with new exhibits of Hungarian production, whether tangible or intangible.
This venture was started, like most things, as a sales tactic and to save on foreign advertisement, by four companies that merged when they decided to go global. The four companies were the Pick sausage factory, the Tokaj wine trade house, Unicum herbal liqueur, and the Herend Porcelain Manufactory.
This association started a conversation in Hungary about its own uniqueness and national value that had started to fade from the minds of the urban people. This venture became so successful that today, there are 60 products in the Hungaricum Club, protected against infringement by state laws and copyrights. The Club became so big so fast that, more than anything, it is a cultural trend rather than a commercial one now.
Here’s a list of Hungaricum products that are fairly essential to every Hungarian person:
PÁLINKA
Palinka is a fruit brandy, essential to every Hungarian household. Hungarians first started distilling it from fruit and berries in the 15th century, and it was mainly produced in monasteries close to princely and aristocratic houses. Hungarians prefer this drink over any other alcohol as it is believed to have medicinal benefits as well, and according to new amendments in the law, small businesses that make Palinka are exempted from tax.
VERBUNKOS DANCE
Traditionally, it was a male-oriented dance form usually performed at the farewell before men went away for military service. The dance form in the new age of feminism and equality has been adopted by the female community and is often performed in festivals and even at discos. The melodies for the dance were created by Janos Bihari and Antal Czermak.
BALATON LAKE AND HÉVIZ LAKE
While Lake Balaton, often monikered as the European Sea, is the party place to be in Hungary, Heviz Lake is known more for its medicinal purposes. Its water has a very large content of potassium, calcium, sodium, and dissolved oxygen that are especially good at treating diseases of all kinds.
FERENC PUSKÁS, ERNŐ RUBIK, AND ÁNYOS JEDLIK
Football player Ferenc Puskas has a station dedicated to his name, Erno Rubik created the Rubik’s Cube, and Anyos Jedlik pioneered a way to produce carbonated water. All these people are as essential to Hungary as palinka.
BUDAPEST
The capital of Hungary is an up-and-coming tourist spot, and rightfully so, with historical monuments on both sides, and the Danube cutting through the middle, dividing Buda and Pest. Budapest is a sight to behold in its own right.
PAPRIKA
Hungarians are very passionate about their food and, unlike a lot of other European countries, use a lot of herbs and spices. Red paprika is an especially honoured novelty souvenir as it is home-grown and easy to transport. The taste of paprikash varies from very spicy to sweet.
DOGS
There are three very rare dog breeds found in Hungary, namely, the Kuvasz, the Puli and the Komondor. Traditionally, as a rural nation of cattle breeders, it was necessary for Hungarians to have loyal and strong pets. These sheepdogs always helped with the hunt and became a symbol of Hungary and are thus truly deserving of their place among Hungaricums.
Source: theoutlook.com