tradition

Hungarian April Fools’ Day and other spring traditions

Hungarian April Fools' Day and other spring traditions

Just when you’re wondering whether winter would last forever this year, spring is here to drive out the last gloomy trace of the frosty season. The snow is melting, trees are blossoming and the days are getting longer and sunnier. That’s enough reason to celebrate, isn’t it? Curious how Hungarians welcome the blooming new season? Take a look at some of the local spring traditions and customs.

1 April – April Fools’ Day

The strange custom of playing pranks on the 1st of April is a widespread practice all over the world, including in Hungary. Back in the day, people in the villages would send little notes to each other, later saying it was delivered to the wrong person and giving a false address. There are numerous folk rhymes linked to April Fools’ Day, of which, one goes like this: “Áprilisnak bolondja, felmászott a toronyba, azt kérdezte hány óra, fél tizenkettő, bolond mind a kettő”. (April’s fool climbed up to the clock tower to ask about the time. The other answered him that it was half past eleven. Both of them were fools).

6 April – Irén’s Day

In the old times, people didn’t have the means to predict the weather, therefore, they came up with weather lore sayings that were commonly linked to specific name days in the calendar. Farmers often turned to these folk forecasts to know what to expect that year. According to kukkonia.sk, on Irén’s Day, if it rained, Hungarians feared that it indicated a poor harvest.

Read more: Easter Monday: the tradition of sprinkling among Hungarians – Photos, VIDEO

12 April – Gyula’s Day

Gyula’s Day (equivalent to English Julius) falls on the 100th day of the year. It is traditionally considered the day of cleanliness. Residents of the villages would thoroughly clean and tidy their homes, including the barns. In some houses, they would even wash the farm animals. There are many weird and amusing spring traditions connected to this day, one of them is doing somersaults in the melon fields. The higher the somersault, the bigger the melons would grow, according to folk belief. Women would also come to the fields to dance and twirl around wearing traditional layered skirts. The bigger the twirl, the larger melons can be harvested. 

16 April – White Sunday

White Sunday is considered the closing date of the Easter season, as it falls on the 8th day following Holy Saturday. It was named after the newly baptised who were finally allowed to remove the white garment they had to wear for a week after the Holy Saturday ceremony. It is also considered the day of friendship between unmarried girls and young lads in the villages, who would send each other so-called “friendship baskets”, filled with fruit, wine, painted eggs and sweet pastry.

In some regions in Hungary, as part of the spring traditions, those women who married during the Easter season would attend the Sunday mass wearing their wedding gown, without their veil and wreath though.

Hungarian April Fools' Day and other spring traditions
Mezõkövesd, Hungary – Traditional Easter, photo: MTI

24 April – György’s Day spring traditions

György’s Day is associated with a number of spring traditions that mark the beginning of the year. This is the time when the herdsmen first take out the cattle to graze, which used to be associated with various practices of witchcraft, warding off evil spirits and increasing reproduction and milk yield. The animals were beaten with birch twigs, driven on chains, axes, ploughshares, fires, the farmer’s wife’s apron turned inside out and garlic garlands tied around their necks. The house, the barn and the stables were protected from evil spirits by burning incense around them, putting up green branches and turning up brooms.

The girls washed their faces with “the holy pearls of dew” collected in the morning to make them beautiful. The herbs gathered on St György‘s night were said to have magical power, and the ‘charming’ old women who gathered them saw the witches on their way to Gellért Hill. György’s Day was also ideal for sowing beans, which was regarded as a superstitious plant. The beans shaken through a sieve were used to read out thieves and those who wanted to poison the livestock or mess up lovers’ affairs. In the city of Eger, people would wear small bags filled with beans around their necks or keep some pieces in their pockets to ward off evil. 

25 April – Márk and Pál’s Day

It is traditionally a corn sowing and wheat harvest day. After mass, the priest and the people went out to the border of the village and blessed the corn. Everyone took some of the blessed corn home, which was said to bring good fortune. This consecrated wheat was believed to have magical properties and was also used to ward off evil. In some regions, this sacred wheat was used to make a wreath, which was placed on church banners and crosses, and after eight days it was removed and placed in the four corners of the field to protect it from hail and frost. But it was also placed under the head of the sick for healing. Or it was put in the leaven with the dew on St. György‘‘s Day to make the bread rise nicely. This was the day to sow the cucumbers. During the procession on St Márk’s Day, women used to put cucumber seeds in their pockets to make them holy. It was believed that this would give an early and abundant harvest.

According to local folklore, “if it rains on St Márk’s Day, the cellar and barn will be full.” It was also prophesied that if a crow could hide in the field on this day, there would be a good harvest.

Hungarian April Fools' Day and other spring traditions
Source: MTI Photo, Nemes János

Discover the magnificent and colourful Hungarian folk costumes! – PHOTOS

Folk dance

The history of Hungarian folk costumes and dress traditions go back centuries. Folk costumes are not only important part of the Hungarians’ history but also symbolise the Hungarian traditions. 

Traditional Hungarian folk costumes

Men’s clothing was predominantly characterised by decorated shirts, brimmed hats and trousers tucked into leather boots, writes magyarorszagom.hu. Men also wore vests, jackets and – in colder times – fur coats. Traditional Hungarian women’s clothing is spectacularly decorated aprons or waistcoats pulled over a white shirt. White, densely decorated, colorful skirts were also common among women, as were equally ornate headscarves.

The basic elements of the Hungarian national costume can be considered to be the simple and in most cases home-made pieces of clothing. These include shirts made of linen, trousers, skirts, aprons, belts, cowhides, leather vests, ect.

Folk Dance

Folk Dance. Photo: Facebook/Kapuvár Néptáncegyüttes

Folk costumes of the Great Hungarian Plain

The old costumes of Debrecen, Nagykőrös, Kecskemét, as well as the Jászkun and Hajdú regions belong to this type of folk costumes. Since animal breeding was one of the main crafts of the Hungarians, the basis of many men’s clothing was the everyday wear of simple shepherds or other trades dealing with farm animals. The clothes consisted of shirts, trousers, waistcoat, brimmed hats, boots and, in colder weather, some kind of outerwear (such as fur coats). Shirts and trousers were usually loose fitting and made of white linen, while white shirts and trousers were often decorated with embroidered motifs. On their heads, the men wore felt hats with a high folded back brim, also with fur, writes mek.oszk.hu.

Folk costumes
Folk costumes. Photo: FB/Kincső Néptáncegyüttes

Costumes from across the Danube

In many regions of Transdanubia, clothing was colourless and relatively featureless. In return for their wages, the manor bought the simple pieces of clothing for the servants of the manorial majorities. In addition, however, Transdanubia can be found in an almost extreme form of new-style colorful peasant clothing and long-preserved old-style archaic costumes. Vests were at first very short and did not even fully cover the waist. However, their longer versions became widespread from the middle of the 20th century. Hungarians wore linen pants as everyday wear, and they wore wider versions for festive occasions. The trousers were also embroidered, and the bottom of their legs were decorated with frills.

Hungarian folk dance
Folk costumes from across the Danube. Photo: FB/Bartina Néptánc Egyesület

Transylvanian Hungarian folk clothing

One of the most important characteristics of the Transylvanian folk costumes is that the western influence did not really reach this far, so quite unique designs could develop here. The men’s shirt was surrounded by a wide belt made of leather, called a thimble or follicle. Furthermore, the original Transylvanian shirts were loose and had neither collars nor cuffs. Men made tight trousers from home-made fabrics, and later from factory materials. Interestingly, Transylvanian Hungarians divided their clothes based on colour. The young women working in the fields in bright red skirts separated from the older ones in dark skirts. As for men, their shirts of the younger ones were tied together in red, and of the older in black.

Folk dance
Transylvanian folk costumes. Photo: FB/Hargita Nemzeti Székely Népi Együttes
Nyakas-kő
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PHOTO GALLERY: Why were 15 March celebrations oppressed in communist Hungary?

Why were 15 March celebrations oppressed in communist Hungary? 4

The commemoration of the Hungarian Civic Revolution and War of Independence of 1848/1849 has always been present throughout our country’s history in one way or another. However, when the communist dictatorship took over in 1945 following Hungary’s Soviet occupation, the once nationwide 15 March celebrations became strictly frowned upon by the regime and those who still dared to organise secret gatherings to remember our 1848 heroes faced serious consequences if caught by the authorities. 

Anti-regime ideologies

Although in 1948 the centenary of the Hungarian War of Independence was still commemorated with centrally organised national mass events, its message had already been altered to reflect the official ideology of the era. Overshadowing the heroic acts of the revolution’s main leaders, Kossuth, Petőfi and Táncsics, the General Secretary of the Hungarian Communist Party Mátyás Rákosi was placed as a central figure of the 15 March celebrations, as “the man who fulfilled the objectives of the revolution”. 

However, in the following years, the commemorations began to be forcibly balked and eventually scrapped from the list of national holidays by the authorities in 1951 as an official order. Most of the objectives of 1848, from freedom of the press to the repatriation of foreign soldiers to national independence and the release of political prisoners, were unpalatable to a political power that enjoyed the support of the Soviet occupation. 

Read also: What do Hungarians celebrate on March 15?

Scrapped national holiday

On paper, no official law forbade citizens to commemorate the revolution in their own way, beyond the official ceremonies, however, in practice the authorities sought to prevent and, in more than one case, to punish everyone who still attended those controversial events. 

The crushed 1956 revolution just added fuel to the fire since it also began with the slogans of 15 March, the singing of Kossuth songs, the commemoration at the Bem Statue and the flying of national flags. On top of that, the MUK movement which was determined to resurrect the revolution the following March also kept the authorities on their toes.  

From that year, the Kádár regime was painfully aware of the double meaning of 15 March and was paranoid about the possibility of another revolt. The ‘60s saw an unexpected change though when the dictatorship decided to switch strategy and re-enacted the March 15 school celebrations in order to keep the youth under surveillance, preventing them from flocking to the streets to protest. According to tortenelemportal.hu, teachers actively discouraged students to take part in any public events commemorating 15 March. Those who still attempted to demonstrate their patriotism feared serious consequences.

To die for freedom?

In the early years of the regime, the authorities were only called to deal with minor “disturbances”, the number of participants never exceeded a hundred, and scholars are not aware of any major police reprisals. Although it doesn’t correspond in time to the 15 March celebrations, it’s important to mention the case of Sándor Bauer, due to the related location and symbols used in the tragic act. On 20 January 1969, the 17-year-old student doused himself with petrol in the garden of the National Museum while waving national flags in both hands like a living torch in protest against the Soviet occupation and the oppression of the party state.

The previously silenced and oppressed citizens began to regain their voices in the ‘70s. Hundreds of young people gathered at Petőfi Statue in Budapest as part of an illegal demonstration on 15 March 1972, which was violently crushed by the state police. More than 90 participants were dragged away by the authorities and 15 of them were even placed into custody, on the ground of public altercation. In the following years, the regime decreed a virtual martial law for the dreaded date, and several units of the Workers’ Militia and the People’s Army stood up jointly against the protestors on the streets of Budapest.  

Blood-stained 15 March demonstrations

The next bloody clash between the protestors and the police took place at the capital’s illustrious Chain Bridge in 1986, but this time the leadership anticipated the crowd and came up with a malicious plan. The people were herded by the police and undercover provocateurs to the Chain Bridge, which was blocked on both ends, and then started beating and hitting the demonstrators. The aim of the police was not just to disperse the crowd – they wanted to set an example with the brutal violence and mass shootings that have gone down in history as the “Battle of Chain Bridge”. This large-scale police terror was also featured in the Western press, ​​with the names of many of the abducted young victims being read out on Radio Free Europe. 

The confused leadership was, therefore, compelled to take a step back and tone down the violence. On 15 March 1989, the police demonstrated unusual tolerance towards the demonstrators whose numbers exceeded multiple hundreds at that time. The Communist rule came to an end in the same year, and Hungarians were finally able to freely remember the heroes of the 1848 revolution and held celebrations all across the country.

Read also: Exciting free events in Hungary on 15 March, National Day

RECIPE, VIDEO: Traditional Hungarian stuffed paprika

Hungarian traditional dish, stuffed paprika (töltött paprika)

Hungarians used many different techniques to make this traditional stuffed paprika recipe over the decades. There are types without pepper, without meatballs, with fish, vegetables, cheese, etc. Either way, it’s famous in almost every family, probably one of the most popular ones.

The paprika (pepper) must be Hungarian pepper, called paprika, and not Californian, kápia or any other pepper. Hungarians call this special type of white pepper TV paprika, because it is intended for stuffing (tölteni való).

Ingredients for 4 servings

  • 10 pieces of wide white peppers intended for stuffing (tölteni való, TV)
  • 50 dkg minced pork
  • 15 dkg rice
  • 1 medium sized onion
  • 400 g tomato concentrate
  • ground pepper (to taste)
  • ground paprika (to taste)
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons fine flour

Many people think that stuffed pepper is an original Hungarian dish, but in fact, the first traditional stuffed pepper comes from Serbians, while many historians believe that they also learned the recipe from the Turkish.

Preparation of stuffed paprika

  1. Wash the peppers.
  2. Remove the seeds from the peppers. An easier method is to push them inwards by the stem, and then you can remove the stalk in one movement, without a knife, suggests Nosalty.
  3. Cook the rice until half done.
  4. Fry the onion in a little oil.
  5. Mix the ingredients for the filling (rice, minced meat, onion and spices) and loosely stuff the peppers with it, leaving enough room for the rice to grow.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers in a larger pot. Before filling, some families cut the top of the peppers off, and then use this cut end to place in the bottom of the pot, and cover it with the stuffed peppers.
  7. In a small pot, with a little oil and flour, make a bread-coloured roux.
  8. Add the tomato concentrate, salt, sugar, and pour water over the peppers, to just cover them.
  9. Cover the pot with a lid and steam until they soften.

The Hungarian type of “stuffed paprika” has been part of the Hungarian gastronomy for 100-120 years. The stuffed pepper’s recipe has gone through many changes by the Transylvanian traditions. In some variations, the sauce was made with sour cream instead of tomato.

Interview with Erik Haupt, Hungarian Ambassador to Greece

Interview with Erik Haupt, Hungarian Ambassador to Greece

Today, we bring our readers an interview with Erik Haupt, the Hungarian Ambassador to Greece, in which he discusses the amicable relationship between the two countries, their distinct approaches to the energy crisis, and the inevitable culture shocks one may encounter when relocating to Greece. Mr Haupt also shares intriguing historical insights about renowned Greek nationals who significantly influenced Hungarian culture. You’ll be surprised to discover that one of Hungary’s most important wine regions and the iconic Chain Bridge in Budapest were once associated with influential Greek families who settled in Hungary.

What are the most significant differences between the two countries for an average citizen, considering aspects like traffic, cost of living, general public sentiment and job opportunities?

Both nations boast strong historical backgrounds and share common European roots. Therefore, Hungarian visitors are unlikely to encounter striking culture shocks in Greece. The cost of living is more or less equivalent, although, in my view, Greece remains slightly more expensive than Hungary. However, these differences have notably diminished in recent years. Of course, there are many differences when it comes to the locals’ mentality, perspectives on life and attitudes toward religion and family. One thing that can shock visitors though, especially in Athens, is the heavy traffic. Notably, heavy traffic in areas like Athens, differing traffic cultures and adherence to rules may be baffling at first, especially for visitors from Northern Europe, adapting to Greece’s more laid-back lifestyle. 

Concerning job opportunities, Hungary holds an advantage with the presence of major international companies like AUDI and BMW. While our country’s industry is more developed, Greece has made considerable progress recently.

Did you experience any culture shock when you moved to Greece

Personally, I encountered no nuisances, already being familiar with Greek culture. I believe Hungarians can easily adapt and identify with the Greek way of life. There are minor differences in some areas, such as transportation. In terms of working style, the prevalent “Perimene” or “we have time for that” attitude differs from the more immediate approach at home. Greek people embrace a more laid-back approach to life, yet in large-scale international projects, Greece consistently excels, despite initial appearances of chaos.

Can you mention a number of famous people in the world of Hungarian art, cinema or other
fields who are of Greek origin?

While not many instantly come to mind, there is a good number of people who left their mark on Hungarian culture The role of the Greeks in the wine trade is indisputable. For instance, the Tokaj Museum, in the heart of the legendary wine region, was built around 1790 by the Karácsony family, which was of Greek origin. The Greek Sina family is also worth mentioning. George Sina’s name is associated with the construction of the Chain Bridge. His son, Simon, also contributed to the establishment of several national institutions, such as the Hungarian Land Loan Institute as well as to the development of railways and steamships. Besides, he stood for many important social causes. Numerous public schools, the National Museum, the nursery school, the nursery hospital, orphanages, the Institute for the Blind, the Academy of Commerce, the National Theatre, the National Casino, the Lipótváros Church, the House of Fine Arts and above all the Palace of the MTA proclaim his name as a benefactor or generous donor.

Read more: Cheaper food prices in Greece than in Hungary? – PHOTOS

In the years following the Civil War in Greece, a large influx of Greek communist refugees fled to Hungary, where they received aid and housing. There is even a Greek village called Belogiannis founded by Greek refugees in the country. However, many people moved back to Greece once the political turmoil settled down. How big is the current Greek community living in Hungary?

There is still a statistically significant Greek community residing in Hungary, and it is no coincidence that they have their own municipal government and representatives in the Parliament, along with their own schools and churches. The Greek community is one of the 13 officially recognised nationalities that boast their own advocate in the country.

And how many Hungarians live in Greece, approximately?

We do not have exact figures, but we estimate the Hungarian community in Greece consists of a few thousand individuals. Estimating its size is challenging due to a lack of organised community initiatives and mixed marriages. Most Hungarians living here are trying to integrate into their Greek families and society as a whole instead of living in an expat bubble.

What is the current relationship between Greece and Hungary at the government level, regarding past and future collaborations? And what kind of Hungarian products are available in Greek supermarkets?

The two countries nurture an amicable relationship. There is a common interest in many areas (persecuted Christians, protection of minorities, the enlargement of the Western Balkans and energy cooperation), which aids our work. In the area of migration, we face similar difficulties in many respects. There are a number of Hungarian food products such as PICK winter salami and some Hungarian wines that can be found on the shelves, to the delight of customers.

Throughout the holiday season, the entire city of Athens was swimming in Christmas lights while Budapest went completely dark to cut back on expenses. If you were to invite a Greek friend to Hungary, what would you highlight about the country?

Regarding the energy crisis, Greece and Hungary are not equally affected, given Greece’s less dependency on Russian energy. Hungary faces additional challenges due to its lack of maritime connection. In response to the second part of your question, Hungary has a lot to offer Greek tourists: a vibrant cultural scene, spas, a booming gastronomic tourism – to name just a few.

And what would you recommend to a Hungarian tourist who is planning his/her first trip to Greece?

Greece is an absolutely safe tourist destination for travellers. For Hungarian tourists visiting Greece, besides the stunning beaches, exploring rich historical sites and the country’s cultural heritage spanning thousands of years is highly recommended. The other advice is more practical; in case of any trouble/travel issues, save the contact details of the consular section of the embassy, or download the Hungarian consular service’s “Utazom” app, which is now available on both Android and IOS phones. It is best advised to always check the current situation and the latest news before planning any trip.

Read more: Government revokes crucial Hungarian certificate affecting all travellers

RECIPE: The ultimate Hungarian Carnival doughnut

Mouthwateringly delicious Hungarian doughnut recipes

The Carnival season is here, and so is our craving for indulgent holiday treats. Heavenly fluffy and dredged in sugar, the Hungarian Carnival doughnut is the star of every festive table. Making this sweet, pillowy dessert is less hassle than you might think. To kick off the Carnival season, we hunted down the best recipe for you which will taste just like the doughnuts from your favourite bakery, or even better! Get your aprons on and sleeves rolled up, it’s time to stir, roll and fry these yummy comfort snacks!

“Szalagos” Hungarian Carnival doughnut with apricot jam

Mouthwateringly delicious Hungarian doughnut recipes
Source: Varga Gábor (ApróSéf) cookpad.com

Read more: Busójárás Carnival in Hungary: 6 days, 150 programmes, 2000 costumes

Cooking time: 100 min – makes 21 doughnuts

Ingredients:

500g wheat flour

220 ml milk (2.8% fat)

4g yeast (fresh)

50g icing sugar

60g butter

 5 egg yolks

a pinch of salt

cooking oil for frying

apricot jam based on your preference

+ extra icing sugar to sprinkle on top

Instructions: 

  • Prepare a plate covered with napkins and a large frying pan or a heavy-duty pot with cooking oil
  • Mix the lukewarm milk, icing sugar and yeast in a bowl and let it rise for about 15 mins
  • Add the flour to a separate bowl and pour the content of the previous bowl onto it
  • Add the softened butter and the egg yolks
  • By using a wooden spoon, stir together the ingredients to form a dough
  • Place on the table and roll the dough until it becomes absolutely smooth
  • Once it’s done, put it in a covered bowl and keep it in a warm place until doubled in size (it takes approx. 30 mins)
  • When the dough has risen, knead it intensively and roll it on a thin layer of flour about 15-20 mm thick
  • Use a cookie cutter (60-80 mm wide) to cut out the doughnuts
  • Repeat the process with the remaining dough
  • Thin out the centre of each doughnut with the help of your fingers to have space for the jam
  • Let them rest for 25 mins
  • Fry the doughnuts in medium-heat oil. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts may turn out to be too dark and/or deformed. First, fry the side that has the whole for 1 min and then proceed with the other side for 1-2 mins. It is important to keep the cover on the frying pan when frying the side with the whole
  • Keep an eye on the doughnuts not to turn too dark nor touch the bottom of the frying pan. They have to float in the oil.
  • Place the perfectly fried doughnuts on a plate covered with napkins, fill them with jam and sprinkle icing sugar on top before serving.

Read more: 5 Hungarian recipes to celebrate the Carnival season and scare away Winter

Quirky Hungarian Carnival traditions and customs

Quirky Hungarian Carnival traditions and customs

If you have ever had the chance to visit Hungary in gloomy February and take part in the widely popular Hungarian Carnival festivities, you already know what a special vibe it has with lots of freaky people dancing in weird costumes as if there was no tomorrow. However, if you are new to these fascinating winter farewell activities, we will give a little glimpse of them as well as tell you some rare Hungarian Carnival traditions to get into the festive mood. 

The core of festive merrymaking

In terms of folklore traditions and customs, the main activities of the Hungarian Carnival season take place on the following three days: Carnival Sunday, Carnival Monday and No Meat Tuesday, which are often referred to as Farsang farka (“tail of the Carnival”). During these closing days of the winter farewell activities, locals toss all inhibitions out of the window and pour don’t the streets for a never-ending parade. Women in the Balaton region, for example, even dress up in man clothes and act like chaps the entire day. 

Even though Carnival has pagan roots, it is strongly tied to Christian religious holidays as it precedes the Lent phase of Easter. Feast Thursday, which comes after Ash Wednesday, has special importance in Hungary as people finally let go of all the restrictions and scoff down whatever food was left after the Carnival festivities.

Read more: 6 traditional dishes popular around the Hungarian Carnival season

Buso-walking of Mohács

The world-famous Hungarian Carnival tradition of the native South-Slavic Šokac population in Mohács attracts large flocks of tourists every year. Each February, this historic southern Hungarian town is taken over with mayhem, revelry and endless, but endless, celebration and culinary enjoyment. Men, called the busók, wearing handmade, carved and painted masks and heavy woolly cloaks arrive in row boats on the shores of the River Danube for a noisy march through the city. Needless to say, the 6-day parade also involves a great deal of dancing, folk music and alcohol. 

According to folk hearsay, the origin of these weird yet wonderful festivities dates back to the times when the locals successfully fought back the Ottoman army that wanted to invade Mohács. The Buso-walking festival has become so popular over the years that it has even earned its place on the UNESCO list in 2009.

Hungarian Carnival lore

Hungarian folklore includes countless superstitions and traditional beliefs that are linked to the Hungarian Carnival season. The day of Balázs, on 3 February, marks an important date of the winter festivities. Locals believe whatever activities one engages in on this day will have significant implications for that person’s health and fortune throughout the coming months. Balázs walking is a common and still existing tradition, during which school teachers walk around the villages with their pupils singing good wishes to the residents and collecting donations for the school. These marches are meant to honour Bishop Balázs (Saint Blaise) who was known for bringing relief to people who frequently came down with tonsillitis. Up to this day, locals tend to bless roast apple peels and feed them to the ill in the hope of their quick recovery. Winegrowers also visit their vineyards on Balázs Day to prune a piece of vine grape at each of the four corners of their field in the bid to please their patron saint who will hopefully protect their grapes from bird attacks and bless them with a fruitful harvest.

Read more: Busójárás Carnival in Hungary: 6 days, 150 programmes, 2000 costumes

Hungarian superstitions about love and Valentine’s Day

date

The day of 14 February is today known worldwide as the “celebration of love”. In Hungary, the present form of Valentine’s Day, when couples give each other gifts or just exchange sweet messages, started to become popular around the 1990s. Although a lot of people may not know it, this ancient holiday, which has evolved into a Christian one, is associated with several old Hungarian traditions, beliefs and superstitions.

The Hungarian equivalent of Valentine is the name Bálint, whose name day falls on 14 February according to the calendar. Thus, Hungarians call this holiday either Bálint’s Day (Bálint-nap) or, following the Anglo-Saxon example, Valentine’s Day (Valentin-nap).

Saint Valentine (in Hungarian: Szent Bálint), was a victim of martyrdom during the Roman persecution of the Christians. According to the most famous legend associated with the patron saint of lovers, the emperor banned marriage for young men, claiming that single men made better soldiers. Saint Valentine, who believed that all people should have the right to marry and build families, continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies for young couples. When the emperor found out, he had Valentine arrested and sentenced to death. Some versions of the story include elements such as Valentine healing the blind daughter of the jailer, or sending the first “valentine” card from prison to the young girl who had become his friend.

Hungarian superstitions on Saint Valentine’s Day

Before Valentine’s Day became popular in its present form in Hungary, there were numerous interesting practices and beliefs surrounding the day. Most of them are, of course, related to love. But there are also certain folk beliefs about the weather and the harvest.

Folklore forecasting

According to Hungarian folklore forecasting, if the weather is cold and dry on Valentine’s Day, there will be a good harvest that year. However, if it rains on this day, farmers can only expect a poor harvest, except for maize. If the weather is windy, it means there will not be enough eggs for the year.

gerbeaud café budapest
Read alsoPHOTOS: Budapest’s most beautiful historic cafés

Love superstitions

  • A loving kiss on the morning of Valentine’s Day brings good luck.
  • Girls who go to the cemetery at midnight before Valentine’s Day may see their future husbands because the ghosts will appear in their form.
  • If girls put a laurel leaf under their pillow on the night before Valentine’s Day, they can find out in their sleep who their future partner will be.
  • If an unmarried girl sees a sparrow on this day, she will marry a poor man, but her marriage will be happy. However, if a goldfinch flies over her, she will be married to a rich man.
  • If one has already found the love of their life, then to keep their love, on Valentine’s Day, they must eat an apple with nine seeds. Then, they need to slip the seeds into their partner’s pocket, so that their partner will be faithful for the rest of their life.
  • Apple seeds were also used to predict the birth of children. The number of children expected in marriage was equal to the number of seeds in the apple cut in half on Valentine’s Day.

Other superstitions related to love

There are also a number of superstitions about love that are not specific to Valentine’s Day. Since this day we celebrate love, we have garnered a few other common Hungarian superstitions related to this warm, fuzzy emotion.

  • A girl who lets herself be swept around will not get married.
  • Girls should not eat from a pot because men will not notice them.
  • If you take a piece of the mirror out into the open air during the new moon and look into it, slip it into the pocket of your chosen one. If they take it out of their pocket, they will see your face in it and will no longer be paying attention to anyone else.
  • If a girl sits at the corner of the table, she will not get married for seven years.
Tata old lake winter
Read alsoPHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter lake destinations in Hungary

Busójárás Carnival in Hungary: 6 days, 150 programmes, 2000 costumes

Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás

Busójárás, Busó-walking or Busó Carnival is an old tradition at carnival time, held annually in the middle of February in Hungary. At this time of the year, people are on the streets, dancing and singing, many are dressed in frightening, monster-like masks and fur coats. Almost 150 programmes will be organised for the citizens of Mohács and visitors to the city at the Busójárás starting on 16 February. Almost two thousand masqueraders will be expected to chase winter away.

According to bama.hu, the agenda for the six-day event has been completed, with more than a hundred and forty programmes, most of them free of charge.

Busójárás Farsang Carnival Season Hungary
Busójárás in Mohács
Photo: facebook.com/busojarasmohacs

Year after year, interest in the Busójárás grows, attracting more and more people to the event. There is sure to be a souvenir to suit everyone, as the event will feature a large number of civilians selling their wares: 400 folk artists, craftsmen, artisans and restaurateurs will be licensed by the city. The organisers have also made several changes to prevent too many people attending a programme.

Agenda of the Busójárás Carnival

16 February, Thursday

According to the official website of the Busójárás, the first event will be an opening ceremony on 16 February, where the new barn building will be inaugurated. Then, the opening event of the Busójárás Carnival will take place on the open-air stage in Széchenyi Square. This will feature performances by school and kindergarten groups. During the day, there will also be demonstrations of the Busójárás tools and folkdances, and a dance party to get the public involved.

17 February, Friday

The next day, the focus will be on the music, as several bands will take to the stages. Other folk dance groups and busó groups will also be performing on this day. In the Dorottya Kanizsai Museum, a temporary exhibition will be opened, focusing on the making of musical instruments and bagpipes. The South Slavic Dance at the Mohács market will be ticketed due to the high interest.

18 February, Saturday

On the 18th, most of the programmes will be gastro-oriented. In the morning, there will be a folk art and craft fair in downtown Mohács. Later on, there will be a cooking show, a mask-making demonstration, carnival games and float decorations.

Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás
Hungarian Tradition of Busójárás in Mohács
Photo: MTI/Kiss Dániel

19 February, Sunday

The next day, there will be a boat crossing of the Danube by the Busó Carnival people. You will also be able to see folk song and dance groups, concerts and more. Every year, the most popular event on this day is the bonfire lighting.

20 February, Monday

There will be a wreath-laying ceremony and the traditional door-to-door visit on 20 February. At the Dorottya Kanizsai Museum, there will be a Carnival playhouse for the little ones for which there is a fee.

21 February, Tuesday

On the last day, 21 February, there will be a bonfire and a coffin burning. However, the programmes also include a dance festival and performances by folk dance groups.

busójárás mohács
Photo: facebook.com/pavkovicsgabor/

5+1 intoxicatingly funny pálinka jokes

pálinka, Hungary, drink

Hungarians traditionally toast with pálinka when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Nothing sets the mood like a couple of shots of this famous Hungarian fruit brandy. If you want to liven up the night or get the approval of your Hungarian friends/in-laws, we get you covered with the funniest puns and jokes about pálinka. This collection is guaranteed to crack you up, regardless if you are sober or not. 

  1. How can you tell the time with pálinka? If you jug down one shot every minute, then you can be sure a quarter-hour has passed by the time you get to the 15th glass.
  2. An old Transylvanian farmer is being interviewed by a reporter. 
    • Uncle George, would you be so kind to walk us through your average day here in the village? 
    • Of course, my son. Well, I wake up in the morning. I have some bacon for breakfast and pour myself a couple of pálinka shots to come alive..
    • Hold on a sec, we can’t put this in print. It’s best if you say you read a couple of pages when you wake up. 
    • All right. So when I hear my stomach growling, I tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen to chew on some paprikash bacon while reading a couple of pages of my favourite book. Then I go to work in the fields. Around noon, I suddenly get a real thirst for wisdom, so I usually read a couple of pages again. I often get dizzy from all that newly acquired knowledge, so I take a nap. When I wake up, I shovel in a half loaf of bread with some sausages and red onions and head to the library to see my mates. Uncle Steve is usually there since morning. We read together until midnight when the library closes and then we pop by Jimmy’s because that old bastard even owns a printing house.
  3. Two Hungarian guys among each other:
    • Dude, where is that dope beanie hat with the ear flaps you were rocking last time? 
    • I chucked it away. 
    • Too bad, I wanted to borrow it. Why did you bin it? 
    • You don’t want that hat bro. I had an accident the last time I was wearing it.
    • Huh? 
    • Yeah, take it from me. It’s cursed!
    • But what the hell happened?
    • Someone offered me a shot of plum pálinka and I didn’t hear it because of that damn hat covering my ears..

Read more: 10 funny Hungarian dos and don’ts for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

4. Two alcoholics decide to go camping. As they set out on the trip, one turns to the other:

  • Yo, I brought a bottle of homemade pálinka in case we step on a rusty nail and need to disinfect the wound. What did you bring, bro? 
  • Two rusty nails. 

5. Two flatmates have a discussion:

  • Hey, I can’t find that bottle of homemade cherry pálinka we got from our next-door neighbour. Do you happen to know where it is?
  • It’s all gone. I had to use it to disinfect a wound. It was kind of an emergency.
  • But with 2 liters? 
  • It was a deep emotional wound.

+1 A little boy is standing at the corner with his back leaning towards the traffic light pole. He is taking massive gulps from a bottle of pálinka. An old lady passes by and seeing the boy, she burst out, outraged. 

  • For God’s sake, shouldn’t you be at school? 
  • But Ma’am, I’m only 5!
pálinka Freddy Mercury
Freddy Mercury at People’s Stadium (Puskás Stadium) in 1986
meme
Photo: www.memegenerator.net

Read more: Pálinka in Hungarian folk medicine

10 funny Hungarian dos and don’ts for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

best place to celebrate New Year's Eve Budapest party places

Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, rounded up some of the most popular New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Hungarian superstitions. Below you can read ten dos and don’ts helping to make 2023 a year of great success.

Here are the don’ts based on blikk.hu.

Do not wash or dry your clothes

Hungarian folk tradition has it that on 1 January you should not wash or dry your clothes because you may lose your luck. Furthermore, drying may cause the death of a close relative or acquaintance.

You should not throw anything into the rubbish on 1 January

Otherwise, we may throw away your next year’s luck. Using the waste bin is only allowed from 2 January. Besides, you should not take anything out of the house.

Clean up your mess

Although you should not tidy up your place on 1 January, you should keep everything neat and clean around you. If you fail to do so, chaos will rule your next year.

Do not go to the doctor!

If you see the doctor on 1 January, it will bring about sickness and injuries in the new year.

Photo: Pixabay / TheAngryTeddy

Do not lend money

If you do so, it will be difficult to reclaim it. Moreover, you will spend more money on water in the new year.

Do not eat poultry

Ducks, chickens and turkey have wings, so your good fortune may “fly away”. On the first day of the new year, you should eat lentils, roasted pig and strudel. Those dishes will bring you luck for the year ahead.

Avoid women guests on 1 January

If the first guest of the new year is a woman, you will be unlucky, a time-honoured Hungarian folk tradition believes. Meanwhile, if it is a man who passes your threshold first on 1 January, you can expect a successful new year. That is why Hungarian grandmothers wanted men to wish them a happy new year back in the day.

Do not polish off all the food on New Year’s Eve

If your fridge gets near empty by 1 January, your household will regularly run out of food in the next year.

New-Years-Eve
Photo: Pexels

And here are 10 dos you should consider to ensure a successful new year

Eat lentils

If you eat lentils after the stroke of midnight, you will never be in the red in the new year. If it is not your favourite veggie though, here is a lucky trick. Tuck some lentils in your pocket to have a successful 2023.

Bake a coin into the cake to bring you an abundance

However, you must devour all the cake on New Year’s Eve. Otherwise, the prophecy will turn against you.

Bathe in fresh, cold water on the morning of 1 January

According to a Hungarian folk tradition, the first bucket of water brought from the well on the morning of 1 January was considered “golden water” for its believed magical properties. Furthermore, if there was snow around, women would use it for cleansing as it was said to beautify them.

Fill the kitchen with sugar, salt, coffee, pepper, etc.

Stock up on these goods, so you will never find yourself short on essential staples in the new year.

Sweeten the new year with honey

In the old times, lovers would feed each other with spoons of honey and exchange kisses to have a long-lasting, harmonious relationship.

New Year’s Eve, source: pixabay.com

Eat pork on New Year’s Day

According to Hungarian lore, the forward movement of pigs when they root around for food on the ground signifies a “moving forward” trajectory in life. Thus, if you want to start the year off on the right track, prepare a pork dish for your loved ones.

Plant a coin in your garden

Hide a coin in the soil on New Year’s Eve and unearth it on New Year’s Day. As a result, you will have a prosperous new year.

If you go to a fortuneteller on New Year’s Eve, you may find out the name of your future spouse

Singles might wonder if there is love on the cards in the new year. To increase your chances of finding out the identity of your future partner, you can also light a candle at home when the clock strikes midnight.

Business people should consume fruit

This custom is said to bring you a fruitful year. Provided you eat an apple, you should count the seeds. The number of pieces will indicate how much luck you will have in the upcoming year.

A young man should first wish you a happy new year

Ideally, if you want to tie the knot in the new year, this person should be your current partner.

easter in hollókő
Read alsoHungarian superstitions and how a foreigner sees them

FAQ – Christmas in Hungary

pécs

There is nothing quite as festive and fun as spending the most magical time of the year in Hungary. Wandering around the charming Buda Castle District, admiring the breathtaking architecture of the historic capital city or sipping mulled wine at Europe’s most stunning Christmas market.. Need we say more? If you happen to spend your winter break in Budapest, you may want to learn a bit more about important dates, Christmas festivities, opening hours and local traditions. Here is our complete guide to Christmas in Hungary that will answer all your burning questions.

Is it cold in Budapest at Christmas time? 

You had better pack your warmest mittens and thickest woolen sweaters as December in Hungary can be pretty cold and snowy. It is not uncommon that temperatures drop below zero. 

Which are the best Christmas markets in Budapest? 

The St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Fair is the most popular and spectacular meeting place in downtown Budapest, filled with various events and programmes to entertain visitors. It has been also awarded Europe’s best. If you have a bit more free time on your hands, it is worth paying a visit to the Vörösmarty Square and Óbuda Christmas markets too. 

Are shops open during the holidays in Hungary? 

The opening hours of stores can widely differ in Budapest. On 24 December, most locations close at noon or 2 pm, at the latest. On 25 December, stores are strictly closed, with the exception of 24-hour convenience stores. On 26 December, most supermarkets and retail stores reopen their doors but some smaller, owner-managed shops may remain closed, along with a number of higher-end boutiques.

Are restaurants open at Christmas in Budapest? 

On 24 December, the majority of restaurants will be shut, however, in touristy areas, you may find some luck. Last year, we shared a list of venues that remained open on Christmas Day and even awaited guests with a special, festive menu. On 25 December, most restaurants are back in full swing. 

What and where to buy Christmas gifts in Budapest? 

While exploring Budapest, you will come across numerous souvenir shops offering fridge magnets, tote bags and key chains. However, if you want to bring home something authentic and of quality for your loved ones, check out our list of Hungarian souvenir ideas. You can also schedule a visit to the city’s most expansive indoor market, the Budapest Central Market Hall which is located in a stunning neo-Gothic building.

Opening hours of Budapest attractions over Christmas 

Budapest’s major attractions, including all museums, will be closed over the Christmas period. Those who are looking to soak up some art and culture have to look for other activities. Having said that, the Buda Castle District is open all year round and so is the City Park and Budapest Ferris Wheel.

What are the most important Hungarian Christmas traditions? 

In Hungary, on 24 December, Christmas Eve families gather together to decorate the Christmas tree. They sing carols and open the Christmas gifts which are traditionally brought by Baby Jesus. Many Hungarians attend the Midnight Mass, which is also held in English in some churches. 

How do Hungarians decorate for Christmas? 

As part of the Christmas preparation, many Hungarian families keep the tradition of lighting a candle on the Advent wreath each Sunday of the last four weeks preceding the Holy Day. Christmas trees cannot be missed from Hungarian homes, and they are richly adorned with special, chocolate-coated Christmas candies called szaloncukor.

What are the traditional Hungarian Christmas dishes?

A traditional Hungarian Christmas meal often starts with halászlé, fish soup, followed by stuffed cabbage with sour cream or roasted trout or turkey. The ultimate Hungarian Christmas dessert is called beigli which is basically a poppy seed or walnut roll served as a special treat during the festivities. 

RECIPES: Traditional Hungarian chimney cake alternatives

chimney cake, Hungarian, Hungary, dessert, rolls, sweets

One of the favourite pastries of Hungarians and foreigners visiting the area is the delicious chimney cake, usually available at fairs. You can find many homemade versions on the internet, whether the regular shape rolled up in aluminium foil or beer cans… or creative alternatives, such as in the form of rolls and muffins. Check out the incredible recipes for the latter two!

Rolls with a little twist

This special dough is made from a base of cream cheese. The choice is yours: you can dip them into sugar, hazelnut, almond, coconut and walnut, enjoying the flavour in, between, and on top of the rolls all at once.

The measure is the standard 2.5 dl mug.

Ingredients for 64 small rolls:

  • 20 dkg Mascarpone or other cream cheese
  • Two and a half cups of flour (32 dkg)
  • 20 dkg butter (soft!)

For the rolling:

  • 3/4 of a cup of ground hazelnuts (6 dkg), walnuts, almonds or a cup of coconut
  • 3/4 of a cup of granulated sugar (12 dkg)

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Read alsoHungary’s inflation is the highest in the European Union

Preparation:

  1. Knead the mascarpone, butter and flour into a smooth dough and put it in the fridge overnight or for at least an hour and a half.
  2. Then make four dumplings from the dough.
  3. On a baking board, pour about 1/4 of the sugar and hazelnut mixture. Roll out the first dumpling into a circle as thin as possible. Turn it over a few times to make sure that there is enough on each side.
  4. Cut the circle into 16 slices and roll them up into buns, one at a time. In the meantime, place the dough in a way that you can still get some hazelnut in it.
  5. Do the same with the rest of the dumplings and bake them in a 180-190 degree oven on the bottom-up baking programme for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden.

chimney cake, Hungarian, Hungary, dessert, rolls, sweets
Photo: rupanerkonyha.hu

Chimney cake muffins

Just mix it up like a pancake dough, and the result is a soft, puffy sponge cake, spread with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon, cocoa, nut or vanilla sugar.

The measure is the standard 2.5 dl mug.

Ingredients for 20 medium-sized muffins:

  • 3 cups of white flour (38 dkg)
  • 3 teaspoons of granulated sugar (20 dkg)
  • half a cup of cooking oil (1.25 dl)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 packet baking powder (10 g)
  • one and a 1/3 cups milk (3.5 dl)

For the topping:

  • about 5 dkg melted butter
  • vanilla sugar, sugar mixed with nuts, cinnamon or cocoa to taste

stuffed cabbage töltött káposzta
Read alsoRecipe: Traditional Hungarian stuffed cabbage for the Christmas table

Preparation:

  1. Mix the sugar with the eggs until whipped, then add the oil, flour, baking powder and finally, the milk.
  2. Spoon the dough into muffin tins lined with muffin paper. Fill the paper muffin tins about two-thirds full.
  3. Bake them at 190 degrees until pale golden, then brush them with melted butter and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.

Photo: rupanerkonyha.hu

You can read the recipe of the chimney cake rolls in Hungarian here. For the chimney cake muffins recipe, click here.

Recipe: Traditional Hungarian stuffed cabbage for the Christmas table

stuffed cabbage töltött káposzta

In our “Hungarian Christmas favourites” series of articles, where we share with you the recipes of some of the greatest Hungarian Christmas dishes, this one is about what is perhaps the most traditional of them all: stuffed cabbage. Evidently, every house has its own customs, this is no different when it comes to the way stuffed cabbage is prepared. This means that the recipe in this article is not at all a universal one – rather, quite a easy one so that whoever decides to make this orthodox Hungarian dish.

This dish doesn’t really have any technical brilliance, Telex writes. Perhaps the only phase that can beat us is the rolling, but trust us, you will get through that as well.

What to make it in?

A good container is very important. You can make it perfectly in an iron skillet, a large casserole, or a heavy baking pan.

Where to buy the ingredients?

To achieve high quality, it is advisable to buy the raw material on the market, but of course it is not expected, as not everyone has the opportunity to do so.

Now let’s get down to business.

Ingredients

  • 500 g minced pork
  • 100 g rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon ground Roman cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 10 sauerkraut leaves
  • 1 medium head onion
  • 100 g meaty bacon
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 kg shredded sauerkraut
  • 200 g smoked loin or leg of pork
  • 3 bay leaves

For serving:

  • sour cream (tejföl)

Preparation

  1. Let’s start with the stuffing. Mix the minced meat with the dry rice, egg, cumin, salt and add a large handful of the shredded sauerkraut. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Lay the first cabbage leaf on a board, cut the thick, veiny end about two centimetres, then put a humped tablespoon of filling on top. Roll up the leaf and push the ends sticking out of the two sides into the packet with your index finger. Continue the operation while you still have the leaf and filling. If you run out of leaf but have stuffing left over, no problem, then when it’s time to layer, add that to the pan in small scoops.
  3. Dice the bacon and chop the onion. Melt the bacon fat in the bottom of a large saucepan over a low heat. When it seems to have given everything it has, add the onion and fry it. When it is soft, add the paprika. Pour this mixture into a small bowl and dice the smoked pork chops.
  4. Now the layering. Take the heavy vessel you have chosen. On the bottom, spread some oniony bacon, on top comes a layer of pickled chopped cabbage, a handful of smoked meat, and on top of that, pile a layer of stuffed cabbage leaves. Again chopped cabbage, again bacon and onion mixture, smoked meat, dumplings, and finally chopped cabbage.
  5. Now the layering. Take the heavy vessel you have chosen. On the bottom, spread some oniony bacon, on top comes a layer of pickled chopped cabbage, a handful of smoked meat, and on top of that, pile a layer of stuffed cabbage leaves. Again chopped cabbage, again bacon and onion mixture, smoked meat, dumplings, and finally chopped cabbage. Throw a few bay leaves on top, pour enough water/stock to cover halfway, cover and leave to simmer on a low heat on the stove or in a 150 degree oven for about 3 hours. In the meantime, check occasionally to see if there is enough liquid underneath. You can make it the day before, it will be even better the next day!

You can read the recipe in Hungarian in the article of Telex.

Find the previous recipe articles here:

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Read alsoFind out the winner of the Best Hungarian Honey of the Year award

The 10 most popular Hungarian foods according to foreigners

goulash

Hungarian cuisine is appreciated worldwide. Some prefer the most popular goulash soup, some would rather choose the halászlé (fisherman’s soup). However, both of these dishes are on the list of the most popular Hungarian foods according to foreigners. 

A website about foods around the world, tasteatlas.com has collected the 10 most popular Hungarian dishes. Have a look at them below!

1. Halászlé or fisherman’s soup

Halászlé is probably the most well-known Hungarian food. Although it sounds simple, there are many variations. The two most popular are Szeged halászlé, made with four types of fish, and Baja halászlé, made mainly with carp and served with homemade pasta. However, what these soups have in common is the basic ingredient, mixed river fish. The fish is cooked in a broth that is heavily spiced with hot paprika. If you would like to try out the recipe, check out our big Hungarian fisherman’s soup guide.

Halászlé Fishsoup Fishermens Soup
Halászlé. Photo: facebook.com/hungarikumokgyujtemenye

2. Lecsó

Yet another simple, but delicious Hungarian dish.  Lecsó is a vegetable ragout which is made with a base of rendered lard or bacon fat, fried Hungarian wax peppers, tomatoes, onions, ground paprika, salt, and sometimes garlic. Hungarians often cook this dish over an open fire in a so-called bogrács.

Lecsó
Hungarian lecsó. Photo: FB/Lecsó Étterem

3. Túró rudi

Foreigners get quickly hooked on this Hungarian dessert. Túró rudi is basically curd cheese that is covered in a chocolate coating. At least, that was the original flavour back then when they launched the first túró rudis in 1963. Nowadays, you can find all kinds of flavours such as strawberry, apricot or raspberry.

Túró Rudi
Túró Rudi. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary

4. Pogácsa

If you attend a conference, wedding, or any kind of event in Hungary, one food that you will surely find there is pogácsa. It is a Hungarian snack consisting of a small, bite-sized pastry that can be either sweet or savory. Pogácsa pastries are commonly prepared in a round shape. As for the flavour, there are many possibilities:  cheese, cabbage, potatoes, bacon, pumpkin seeds and the list goes on.

Tepertos pogacsa Hungarian Christmas cookie recipes
Pogácsa. Source: canva.com

5. Kifli

Another all-time favourite is kifli, crescent-shaped yeast rolls. Although, usually they come plain, they can be also sprinkled with poppy, sesame, or caraway seeds, or topped with fruit jam or honey. Legend has it, kifli was invented when Christians defended Buda from the Ottomans. As a sign of celebration, the bakers in the city started selling fresh bread rolls in the shape of a crescent moon.

Kifli
Kifli. Photo: Facebook/Jenői Pékség

6. Pörkölt

Pörkölt is regarded as Hungary’s national stew. The name of this dish derives from the word pörkölni, meaning roast or singe. The meat in pörkölt can be beef, lamb, pork or chicken. If you have decided on the meat, you put it in a red sauce with lots of onions, garlic and paprika powder. Traditionally, it is served with dumplings, boiled potatoes or pasta.

Stew pörkölt
Photo: Pixabay

7. Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás csirke)

Although it is similar to the classic pörkölt stew, what makes paprikás different is sour cream and occasionally flour to create a smooth sauce. The ingredients are chicken thighs and legs, onions, and a paprika-flavored broth. If you visit Hungary, you will most probably come across pörtölt both at every corner of the city.

8. Lángos

Lángos is considered a Hungarian traditional beach food. It is made by deep-frying a basic dough consisting of water, flour, yeast, sugar and salt until it turns golden-brown. After that, one can choose sour cream, grated cheese, garlic sauce and salt as a topping. No matter which one you choose, this food is so good it will surely make you want to lick all your fingers!

Balaton lángos Hungary tourism
https://www.facebook.com/Balaton-%C3%A9s-L%C3%A1ngos

9. Krémes

In addition to the túró rudi, krémes is another beloved sweet delight in Hungary. It is the Hungarian version of the famous cremeschnitte. Krémes consists of two layers of puff pastry held together with a generous amount of smooth pastry cream. After a hearty meal like goulash or prökölt, krémes is always a good idea!

10. Goulash

The widely successful goulash finished first on the list, which is no surprise. Goulash is prepared with meat, traditionally beef, that is simmered in a rich paprika-infused broth, usually alongside onions, bell peppers, root vegetables, various spices and occasionally tomatoes. Here are 5 different recipes, if you would like to try out the most popular Hungarian dish!

goulash
Goulash. Photo: pixabay.com

Check out these strange Hungarian superstitions!

Whether one believes in superstitions or not, they influence our lives subconsciously. They reflect the country’s history, culture and customs. Here are some Hungarian superstitions that are widely known – some of which are funny, strange or even scary!

Superstitions about bad luck

In Hungary, when a black cat is crossing your path, you will feel uncomfortable. However, this has nothing to do with Hungarian people not liking cats. According to a superstition, if a black cat crosses someone’s path, the person will be unlucky. In addition, killing a spider, walking under a ladder or 13 Friday mean bad luck, too, writes budapestrivercruise.eu. There are also some beliefs about weddings. If the fiancé sees the bride’s wedding dress before the ceremony, the marriage will be sad and misfortunate.

Good luck

Although many supersitions are about bad luck, there are some positive supersitions, too. For example, if you come across a wedding ceremony, you will be lucky in love. Futhermore, the tradition of Luca’s chair is a quite common belief in Hungary. According this myth, the maker of the chair took it to the midnight mass and if they sat on the chair, they could see who the witches were. Another typical superstition is when somebody puts his clothes upside-down, which also means good luck.

Hungarian New Year’s Eve superstitions

The New Year’s Eve superstitions suggest that the first day of the year will determine the rest of the year. That is why some superstitions are strongly connected to New Year’s Eve. For example, Hungarians are careful about what they eat on this specific day. It is generally accepted that poultry should not be eaten on New Year’s Day, writes shuttlesfrombudapest.com. Regarding fish, there are controversies. On the one hand, some superstitions suggest that it is forbidden to eat fish because it swims away with one’s luck. On the other hand, some say that you can eat fish on the first day of the New Year, just start at the tail.

Hungarian folk superstitions

In Hungarian folklore, for 7 years, luck avoids a house in which a mirror is broken. The person who broke the window will not get married for 7 years. Another folk superstition is in connection with eggs. If we accidentally drop an egg and it breaks, then we hear good news, but if it is undamaged or just cracks, then bad news is expected, writes sokszinuvidek.24.hu. Hungarians tend to have superstitios beliefs about food. For example, accidentally spilled salt causes anger or minor quarrels, but if the wine accidentally spills, it is considered a favourable sign.

The most important Hungarian winter traditions - PART I.
Read alsoThe most important Hungarian winter traditions – PART I.

The most important Hungarian winter traditions – PART II.

The most important Hungarian winter traditions - PART II.

A cold wind howls, stripping leaves off of the trees, and we wrap ourselves in knits up until our chin to keep warm. It is time to admit that winter is here, and it is here to stay for a good while. For this occasion, let’s have a look at the most important Hungarian winter traditions and see how our ancestors kept themselves entertained during these chilly and unpleasant months. If you are interested, check out the first part of this series HERE.

Little Saints’ Day (28 December)

This day marks one of the most bizarre Hungarian cultural practices. On Little Saints’ Day, young men would go around the villages and pass by every house where unmarried girls and future brides lived. According to this Hungarian winter tradition, they carried a whip made of twigs and gave a couple of tender lashes to each girl so they would grow into healthy and beautiful women. In Győr-Sopron County, this custom was linked to the inauguration of teenage boys. In order to make the physical punishment more pleasant, the young men sang lovely, old-fashioned folk songs while whipping the girls. In exchange, the girls tied a ribbon on each guy’s whip while their mothers handed over neatly wrapped meat to the singers. Once their job was done, the lads returned to the local pub where they cooked the meat outdoors. This very meat was served at the inauguration dinner which was strictly attended by males.

By the end of the ceremony, most young men were pretty drunk, however, the festivities were not over yet. The newly inaugurated men were then sent to the houses of unmarried girls where they were taken care of by the women of the household. This last part meant the closing point of their young foolish years and helped them enter a more mature chapter in their lives.

Read more: Funny dos and don’ts for New Year’s Day in Hungary

New Year’s Eve (31 December – 1 January) 

The last day of the year was not always celebrated on 31 December as it is today. This tradition most probably originated from the Roman Empire and spread all across Europe along with the solar calendar. However, it took some centuries for people to accept this new chronology. According to anthropologists, the ancient Hungarian conquerors must have counted the new year from the beginning of autumn or spring. Our ancestors had the firm belief that whatever they did on the first day of the year determined their next twelve months. Therefore, they set the tone for the new year with lots of noisy celebrations, hoping that the rest of the year will be equally fun and carefree. Marching along the village with cowbells was a common way to make lots of noise, and thus, chase away evil spirits.

Future telling was also a beloved Hungarian winter tradition at this time of the year. Young unmarried girls would make a so-called garlic calendar: they would sprinkle salt on twelve cloves and the ones that got damp by the next day indicated the months with the most rain or snow. In other regions, people would pour hot lead in cold water on New Year’s Eve and from the shape the material took once it hardened, they would try to make predictions for the future. In families with girls, women would write different male names on pieces of paper and then tuck them in dumplings and put them in boiling water. The first dumpling that came to the surface revealed the name of the young girl’s future husband. 

Epiphany (6 January)

On the day of Epiphany, priests would walk around the villages and collect handouts. It was a common Hungarian winter tradition, already practiced in the 15th century. In exchange for money or food, they would bless the family and write the initial letters of the names of the three kings who visited Jesus after his birth.

Carnival Season 

The Carnival season began on the day of Epiphany and lasted until Ash Wednesday, the end of February. According to inf.u-szeged.hu, the first Carnival references date back to the 15th century. Men and women would swap their clothes or wear animal-inspired masks while marching along the villages singing and making lots of noise. The rich and poor would both take part in these fun activities. Already in the time of Matthias Corvinus, the king and his wife were known to receive elaborately detailed masks from Elizabeth’s Italian relatives. The Busó festivities in the southwestern city of Mohács are important end-of-winter carnival customs. The busós are scary-looking men wearing wooden masks and woolly cloaks. They would march through the town alongside horse-drawn fantasy vehicles and burn coffins that symbolised the winter season. This Hungarian winter tradition originated with the Croatian minority living in Mohács but nowadays it is considered a great emblem of the city.

Short theatrical plays, funeral games and mock-up weddings were also common amidst the carnival festivities. Log-pulling or pinewood weddings were common folk traditions at this time of the year. It was basically a parody of real weddings and aimed to draw attention to the importance of getting married and remind the youth to find a suitable partner before they got too old. 

However, the carnival season did not mean fun for everyone. At the end of the celebrations, young men would gather together and make noise with tins and yell obscene remarks under the windows of unmarried girls who did not find a husband that year.

Read more: Carnival season in Hungary – Costumes and traditions – PHOTOS

The most important Hungarian winter traditions – PART I.

The most important Hungarian winter traditions - PART I.

Oh, it is that time of the year again! As December approaches, our calendar gets filled with various fun and festive gatherings. However, it is not only Christmas that Hungarians anticipate so much! There are numerous traditions celebrated in Hungary that honour the change of the seasons as well as the arrival and passing of winter. Some customs and rituals might sound a bit odd or unusual at first, but it just adds to the beauty of the rich local culture. We thought to compile a list of the most significant and fascinating Hungarian winter traditions, so you will never miss an important date again! 

Winter Women’s Day

Once the harvest season was over, women would spend most of their time weaving in the villages, which they began usually towards the end of November. This activity would often last until the Carnival season. However, there were certain religious days when weaving was frowned upon or even forbidden, for example, on the days of Luca (13 December) and Borbála (4 December) as well as on Christmas day (24-25 December). All women of the village would gather together and amuse themselves with singing, games and retelling folklore tales while making richly detailed tapestries, tablecloths and alike. On the day of András (30 December), young unmarried girls kept a 24-hour fasting day, during which all they consumed were three wheat grains and three drops of water. According to the folklore tradition, following that ritual, their dream would reveal their future husband. 

Luca’s Day – 13 December

There are many weird and fascinating folklore traditions linked to the day of St. Luca. Most importantly, it was forbidden for women to do any work or house chores. Those who broke this rule had to face various punishments: they were hit in the head with a spindle, their yarn would get tangled, or their hens would not be able to lay eggs anymore. Historically, in villages across the country, local men would begin to carve the Luca stool with the intent to finish it just before Christmas. If stood upon during the Christmas church service, the carvers of the stools would be able to identify which members of the congregation were witches. However, once a witch was spotted, she would attempt to catch the villager who outed her. People running from the witch would spread poppy seeds on the ground to trick the angry hexes. Witches were known for their love of poppy seeds, so they stopped to collect the seeds, which allowed time for the villagers to find a safe shelter.

Read more: Strange Hungarian habits

Christmas 

The first Christmas trees appeared in the bigger Hungarian cities around the 1940s. In Transylvania though, children were still anticipating the arrival of the “golden foal” which came with gifts, even during WWI and WWII. Another interesting fact about the tradition of exchanging gifts is that Hungarian children, at least the ones who behaved well throughout the year, receive presents also on 6 December when Santa Claus pays a visit to the families. The first references to Nativity Plays go back to the 20th century. There were two versions; Christmas pageants were either played out by actors or puppets. In some regions, Paradise plays were also common which re-enacted the Biblical cautionary tale of Adam and Eve. While in other parts of Hungary, on the day of the Christmas fast, the herdsmen would walk around the village with rods and pass by each house. The women of the village would take as many rods from their haversacks as the number of cows they owned and then slap the legs of the herdsmen with the rods. It was supposed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Caroling tradition of regölés 

Much like European and North American caroling, regölés or singing good wishes is a Hungarian winter tradition. From 26 December until New Year, singers, called regösök, would visit all the houses in the village and sing good wishes to their neighbours. According to etymologists, the word regöles has a Finno-Ugric origin and it can be linked to the deep trance the shamans of the old Hungarian tribes would fall into. In the Transdanubium region, young men carrying chain whips and jug horns would visit families with unmarried girls and sing their enchanting songs that included fertility and prosperity wishes. In some cases, these songs were meant to fix up two young people and set them off to marriage. In the introduction part, the singing visitors would tell their audience that they had a long and tiring journey behind them. At times, they would also highlight that they were not robbers but they served King Stephen I. of Hungary.

Read more: Weird Hungarian traditions