Beautiful, graceful and soaring through the skies, birds are often portrayed as symbols of power and freedom. In many myths and legends, birds connect the human world to the divine or supernatural realms that are beyond ordinary experience. In Hungary, there are two main legends that surround a mythical bird called the “Turul“, which is [...]
Perhaps nowhere in the world has the tradition of decorating eggs developed into so many unique patterns and techniques as in Central and Eastern Europe. Originating as a pagan ritual, the people in the region once believed that great powers were embodied in the egg. In particular, the egg represented life, fertility, and rebirth. With the acceptance of Christianity, decorating [...]
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia on the morning of Easter Monday, it’s considered good luck for men to gently hit women with a braided whip, known as a “pomlázka”. This may seem odd or even insulting but no harm is intended. In fact, pomlázka means “make young,” as it is believed that women who are [...]
Christmas is celebrated in many different ways throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Commonly most of the regions’ festivities begin with the period of Advent which is four weeks prior to Christmas and the feast of Saint Nicholas on the 6th of December. Although the celebration of the season is shared, each country has developed their [...]
Hungarians living abroad often have difficulty accessing information directly from Hungary. As well, most publications or websites from Hungary are not available in English. An online service called Hungarian Register now aims to bridge this gap. Officially unveiled last week by the Public Administration and Justice Ministry, the Hungarian Register aims to provide the latest [...]
The Tom Lantos Institute was officially inaugurated in parliament this week with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her predecessor Condoleezza Rice leading the ceremonies. The institute, named after Hungarian-born U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, was established to promote tolerance and support minority issues in Central and Eastern Europe and in the world. “This represents [...]
Hungaricum refers to something that is characteristically and typically Hungarian which can include speciality foods, drinks, traditional clothing, animals, customs, and even fine works of art. Much of these things can be attributed to Hungary’s rich and diverse cultural history. Here are some of the most well-known Hungaricums. Paprika Paprika is the national spice of Hungary and used [...]
Wooden eggs painted with Hungarian folk designs. Easter (Húsvét) holds great significance to the people of Hungary. This is a special time where celebrations are marked by folk traditions and religious observance. Elaborately decorated eggs, dousing rituals, church ceremonies, prayers, and special foods are common practices leading up to and during Easter in Hungary. Lent [...]
Name day is a tradition celebrated in many countries in Central and Eastern Europe. One’s given name is associated with a particular day of the year. The custom originated with the Catholic and Orthodox calendar of saints, where believers, named after a particular saint, would celebrate that saint’s feast day. In many countries, however, there is [...]
Easter is a special time in Russia, with many foods prepared for the occasion. Celebrations are generally later than in the West. This happens because Easter dates are determined by different calendars. The Russian-Orthodox church uses the old Julian calendar, whereas the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches follow the Gregorian calendar. Here are just a few of [...]
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