Statute of a Turul on the railing of Buda Castle. This particular Turul was cast by Gyula Donath in 1905.

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 attributed to shaping the fate of the Hungarians. The bird is usually described as a giant eagle or a falcon with a sword in its talons.

The first legend of the Turul tells the story of Princess Emese, consort of a Scythian king, who once had a dream in which a Turul appeared to her. In this dream, a crystal-clear stream started to flow from her, and as it moved Westward, it grew into a mighty river. This dream represented her symbolic impregnation by the Turul, and meant that she would give birth to a line of great rulers. Emese later gave birth to Álmos, who was the father of Árpád, the great leader of the Magyars and founder of Hungary.

In the second legend, the leader of the Hungarian tribes had a dream in which eagles attacked their horses and a Turul came and saved them. This symbolized that they had to migrate, and when they did so, the Turul helped them to show the way and eventually led them to the land that became Hungary.

Because of these legends, the Turul became a symbol of Magyar identity that has been represented throughout history and is still used today including on the coat of arms of the Hungarian Army and the Office of National Security.

Several statues of the Turul are also displayed throughout Hungary. Of the most prominent is the bronze statue situated on the railing of Buda Castle which was sculpted by Gyula Donath in 1905.

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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 eggs continued to play an important role. Many of the meanings and symbols were adapted with the addition of representing Easter and Christ’s Resurrection. Today, decorating eggs still holds great meaning and is a widely popular custom throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) on display. The word pysanky comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with molten wax. Some of the most common designs of pysanky can be categorized into geometric patterns, Christian symbols and celestial signs.

Polish Easter eggs (pisanki) on a table. Pisanki are created by drawing on an egg shell covered with a layer of molten wax, or alternately drawing designs with wax on a bare egg. The egg is then submerged into a dye.

German Easter eggs (bemalte ostereier) on display at a fountain. In Germany, trees and vines are decorated with hollowed-out eggs that are dyed and hung with colorful ribbons.

Hungarian Easter eggs (hímestojás) in a basket. Many Hungarian Easter eggs carry the designs of the Hungarian embroidery that are a part of the traditional dress.

Romanian Easter eggs (oua de pasti) in a carton. Although more of a modern style, some Romanian Easter eggs are decorated using colorful beads.

Slovenian Easter eggs (pirhi) in a basket. In Slovenia as well as throughout Central and Eastern Europe, eggs are commonly dyed with a single color using onion peels.

Czech Easter eggs (kraslice) hung from a ribbon. A Czech tradition at Easter is to use ribbons to tie decorated eggs to trees in gardens or attach them to sticks and place them in window boxes or pots containing spring flowers.

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The traditional Easter pomlázka (Czech)/korbac (Slovak) is a whip made of strands of willow rods woven together and topped with colorful ribbons.

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 whipped would have lasting youth, well-being, and fertility throughout the year.

As a sign of thanks and forgiveness, women would give the men responsible for whipping them either a hand-painted Easter egg, a shot of plum brandy, or even money.

In certain regions, women would be able to seek revenge in the afternoon by pouring a bucket of cold water on the men.

While, the custom isn’t taken as seriously nowadays, it still remains an endearing and fun event especially in smaller villages.

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The period of Advent is observed throughout most of Europe. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.

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 own specific traditions and customs.

Austria

Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Austria. Festivities begin with the Advent period. Many Austrians will set-up an “Adventskranz”, a wreath traditionally made from pine branches with four candles on it. On each of the four Advent Sundays leading up to Christmas, a candle is lit which is often followed by prayers.

The Christkindlmärkte is also an important tradition in Austria. Seasonal markets are set-up throughout many parts of the country.

On Christmas Eve, shops close early and families return home to have Christmas dinner. A traditional Austrian Christmas meal can include carp, goose, ham, braised cabbage, glühwein as well as many cakes and pastries.

In Austria and most German-speaking countries, Christkindl is the bringer of gifts for children.

The world’s most famous Christmas song, “Silent Night,” was written and composed in Austria in the early 1800′s.

Czech Republic

The feast of St. Nicholas or “Svaty Mikuláše” on December 6th is enthusiastically celebrated in the Czech Republic. The legend tells how St. Nicholas climbs down to earth from heaven on a golden rope along with both a devil and an angel.

A traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic is fried carp and potato salad. The custom started after excessive increase of fishpond cultivation in the Baroque era. As well, a sweet type of bread known as “Vanocka” is often prepared around the Christmas holidays.

On January 6th, known as Three Kings Day, it is common for children to go outside to sing carols and give well wishes to people in their neighborhood. The initials K+B+M are written in chalk above the entrance to people’s homes, signifying the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, or “Christ bless this home”. Many charitable donations are also collected on this day.

Germany

In Germany, Christmas traditions vary by region. The period of Advent is observed followed by Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th.

The legend of Saint Nicholas tells how the saint hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills their shoes or boots with candy. If they have not been good, their shoes are filled instead with twigs.

In some parts of the country it’s also believed the “Christ Child”, das Christkind, sends an angel in a white robe and crown as a messenger on Christmas Eve bearing gifts. There’s also a figure called der Weihnachtsmann, who looks like Santa Claus and also brings gifts.

The culinary feast takes place at supper on Christmas Eve or on the first day of Christmas and usually includes either roast goose or duck. Some families prefer a lighter and simpler meal on Christmas Eve with the larger meal the following day.

On Christmas Day, many families will eat potato salad and sausages, carp or a hearty soup as well as goose, duck or pork roast.

It is believed the custom of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany during the 1500′s.

Hungary

Christmas in Hungary begins with the period of Advent. Wreaths are displayed everywhere including in shops, schools, and homes.

On December 6th also known as St. Mikolas Day, children set their shoes or boots out overnight for Mikulás.

The legend of Mikulás tells how he arrives wearing the robes of a bishop, with a red miter on his head, a staff in one hand and a sack full of presents in the other. Accompanying him is a “Devil” boy in a black costume, complete with horns and long tail. He holds a switch made of dry twigs, ready to smack any naughty children. Each good child receives a small gift, usually a toy or candy.

On Christmas Eve also known as “Szent-este” or “Holy Evening“, dinner is served first followed by the sharing of gifts under the tree left there by baby Jesus. Later in the evening, some families will attend midnight mass at their local church.

One of the most popular foods prepared around Christmas in Hungary is beigli, a sweet bread made with either poppy-seed or walnut filling. As well, szaloncukor, a type of fondant candy is a very common treat decorated on Christmas trees.

Poland

In Poland, many households will observe a strict 24-hour fast known as “Wigilia” prior to Christmas Eve. The tradition generally ends with a huge feast. The meal consists of twelve courses or dishes, one for each Apostle. Fried carp, beetroot soup, and uszka are just a few of the most common foods served at the dinner. Krupnik is sometimes drunk after dinner. However, no meat is served for religious reasons.

Many families finish off by attending a special Christmas mass called “Pasterka” held at midnight at their church. The following day is often spent visiting friends.

The gift bearer in Poland is Swiety Mikolaj or Saint Nicholas.

Ukraine

Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated on January 7th according to the Gregorian calendar.

“Sviata Vechera” or “Holy Supper” is the central tradition of the Christmas celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner usually includes 12 different types of foods such as a sweet grain pudding known as “Kutia” and fish dishes like carp or herring to symbolize Jesus and his disciples as “fishers of men.”

An old Christmas tradition was to give children gifts on the 19th of December which is St Nicholas’s Day in Ukraine. Grandfather Frost flies across the sky in his sleigh drawn by three reindeer. He is accompanied by his granddaughter who is called Snowflake Girl who is always dressed in silver and blue and has a snowflake shaped crown.

In Ukraine, it is also customary to include a spider among the decorations on a Christmas tree.

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Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen unveils the "Hungarian Register" at a new conference in Budapest. Photo courtesy of Hungarian Register.

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 news, programs and events that affect Hungarians all around the world. Its special mission is to address all those Hungarians who hardly speak Hungarian. “We wish to achieve cooperation between Hungarian communities around the world, whether in the Carpathian Basin or overseas countries.”, the deputy PM noted in a statement.

Some of the features of the website include the release of a weekly newsletter, links to various governmental organizations, as well as videos and photos of current events and issues.

Registration is free. For more information visit www.nemzetiregiszter.hu or www.hungarianregister.com.

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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers her speech during the inauguration of the Tom Lantos Institute. Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of State.

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 an important commitment on the part of the Hungarian government to advance human rights, protect minority rights, promote tolerance and strengthen trans-Atlantic relations,” Lantos Foundation President Katrina Lantos Swett announced.

Lantos was born to a Hungarian Jewish family in Budapest in 1928 and survived the Nazi occupation of Hungary in the final year of the Second World War before emigrating to the United States. He became the only Holocaust survivor to enter the U.S. Congress when he was elected in 1981. He died in February 2008, at the age of 80.

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Paprika peppers and the fine powder derived from their seeds are often seen as a symbol of Hungary. Used to flavor a variety of Hungarian dishes and helping to bolster the national agricultural industry, the paprika plant has long played a key role in the country's cuisine and economy.

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 extensively in Hungarian cuisine. There are several versions of paprika in Hungary ranging from édes (sweet) to eros (hot) as well as everything in between. During the 1930′s, Hungarian scientist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi and his colleagues at Szeged University experimented with fresh bell peppers. In 1937, Szent-Gyorgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize for Science for discovering that paprika included Vitamin C, an antiscorbutic, which protects against scurvy.

Pálinka

A ubiquitous specialty known throughout Hungary and the Hungarian enclaves of neighboring Transylvania, pálinka is the generic name for the fiery fruit brandy distilled from fruits such as plums, apricots and pears.

Unicum

Known as the national drink of Hungary, Unicum is an herbal digestif liqueur. The history of the drink dates back to 1790, when a court physician named József Zwack combined different herbs and roots to create a remedy for Kaiser Joseph II, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, who was suffering from stomach ailments. When the monarch tasted the drink he exclaimed, “Dasist ein unicum!”, meaning in English,“This is unique!”. Thus the name of the drink was given.

Tokaji Aszú

This luscious sweet wine comes from the Tokaj-Hegyalja district of northeastern Hungary. Made from grapes affected by noble rot, Tokaji Aszú is Hungary’s most famous wine. Throughout the 17th and 18th century, Tokaji Aszú was a cherished commodity enjoyed by the royals of Europe including Louis XIV of France, Peter the Great, Elizabeth of Russia, and Frederick the Great, as well as renowned composers and writers. In the Hungarian National Anthem, the poet Ferenc Kölcsey (1790-1838) wrote about the country’s most precious gifts. Included is the wine of Tokaji: “In the grape fields of Tokaj, You dripped sweet nectar.”

The Puli is an ancient Hungarian dog known for its long, corded coat. It is believed to have introduced by the migration of the Magyars from Central Asia more than 1,000 years ago.

Pick “Winter” Salami

This brand of salami was first produced in the town of Szeged in 1869 by an Italian butcher by the name of MárkPick. His salami quickly gained a reputation for its rich flavor which was made with local Hungarian ingredients. A factory was built in the area and soon afterwards the salami went into mass production. Today, Pick “winter” salami is one of Hungary’s most popular culinary specialties.

Herend Porcelain

Founded in 1826 in the town of Herend near the city of Veszprém, this Hungarian manufacturing company specializes in luxury hand painted and gilded porcelain. In the mid-19th century it was purveyor to the Habsburg Dynasty and aristocratic customers throughout Europe. Many of its classic patterns are still in production today.

Halas Lace

Hungary has a rich history of lacemaking. One of the most famous is the Halas Lace which originated in the town of Kiskunhalas in 1902 by Mária Markovits and her son Árpád Dékáni. Various items were produced from this intricate needwork which eventually became an important part of Hungarian folk art.

Mangalica Pig

Mangalica is a breed of pig grown especially in Hungary and the Balkans known also as a curly-hair hog. At the beginning of the 1800s, demand for fattier pigs grew, and the mangalica was bred in 1833 by crossing Hungarian pigs from the Bakony and Szalontaregions with the Serbian sumadia. Their number continued to grow until the middle of the 20th century, then decreased rapidly due to the heightened demand for meatier pigs as opposed to the fattier ones. Gene banks established by the Hungarian government in 1974 were what saved them from extinction. Today, mangalica meat is once gaining popularity by foodies around the world who are keen to sample this rich and delicate specialty.

Hungarian Grey Cattle

The Hungarian grey cattle also known as Magyar szürkemarha are an ancient breed of cows from Hungary. These long horned animals once grazed the great plains of Hungary over 1000 years ago. Used mainly for draft purposes, they were positioned in teams of four or more to pull merchant wagons across the plains, sometimes in long caravans. Although, Hungarian grey cattle are not used as much in today’s society, they are an important part of Hungarian culture and heritage. Many are kept in protected areas such as the Hortobágy National Park in eastern Hungary.

Vizsla

The vizsla has been a trusted and favorite hunting dog of the Magyar tribes who lived in the Carpathian Basin in the 10th century. In the 19th century, the vizsla suffered a decline and during the Second World War, came close to becoming extinct. In 1945, when the Russian occupation forces invaded Hungary, many of the wealthy aristocrats were forced to flee their beloved land. Several were able to smuggle their vizslas and pedigree records out of the country. These owners fled to various parts of Europe and North America with their dogs and from this small remaining stock, the vizsla was revived.

Puli

The puli is an ancient Hungarian dog known for its long, corded coat. The tight curls of the coat, similar to dreadlocks, make it virtually waterproof. The breed is believed to have introduced by the migration of the Magyars from Central Asia more than 1,000 years ago and, for centuries, it was treasured for its sheep herding abilities.

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Lent

Hungarians regard “Lent” as the Great Fast for Easter. Since meat is forbidden during Lent, the day before Ash Wednesday is called “Húshagyó Kedd“, which means “meat abandoning Tuesday”. On Holy Saturday, what is known as “Nagyszombat” in Hungary, people take food baskets filled with kalács, red eggs and salt to the church, to be blessed by the clergyman. This blessed food is eaten in the Easter dinner after the resurrection ceremonies are over.

Easter Eggs

The art of decorating Easter eggs in Hungary was originally a Pagan ritual but was carried over with the acceptance of Christianity. Eggs are decorated with simple geometric shapes or ornamented with swirls of plants and flowers. The color red is often used as it symbolizes the blood of Christ. Many eggs also carry the embroidery of Hungarian designs that are a part of the traditional dress. Painted wooden eggs are also displayed in many Hungarian homes.

Flower Sunday

Centuries ago on Palm Sunday it was customary to bless not only branches but also the various flowers of the season. Today, the flowers are still mentioned in the antiphons after the prayer of blessing. Thus, the name Flower Sunday or “Virágvasárnap” is used in Hungary.

Sprinkling

Sprinkling is a very popular Easter custom in Hungary, observed on Easter Monday, which is also known as “Ducking Monday“. On this day, boys playfully sprinkle perfume or perfumed water on girls. Until some time back, young men used to pour buckets of water over young women’s heads. Now it is more common for men to spray perfume, cologne or just plain water, and then ask for a kiss and a red egg. This ritual is associated with fertility, healing, and cleansing rites.

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The celebration of name days has been a tradition throughout Central and Eastern Europe since the Middle Ages.

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 no longer any specific connection to Christianity.

In some countries one’s nameday is more important than one’s birthday. Gifts such as flowers and sweets are given to the person. Special calendars are usually kept to take note of the days, since some dates honor multiple names and some names are celebrated many different days.

If your interested in finding out when your name day is on the calender, you can visit these websites below for more information. Happy name day!

Behind the Name

Czech Name Days

Name Day Calender

Name Day’s in Hungary

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Kulich, a traditional sweet bread made for Easter in Russia.

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 the traditional foods enjoyed in Russia for Easter.

Kulich: The most famous Russian Easter bread, kulich, is known for its tall narrow shape. It is usually made with lots of butter and eggs, plus additions of candied fruit, raisins, and nuts. The bulging top is iced and decorated, usually with Cyrillic letters standing for “Christ is risen“. Kulich is only eaten during the 40 days after Paskha (Easter) until Pentecost.

Paskha: Most often referred to as Russian cheesecake, paskha is a dessert made from curd cheese and is molded in shape in the form of a truncated pyramid. It is white in color, symbolizing the purity of Christ, the Paschal Lamb, and the joy of the Resurrection. Paskha is most often served with kulich.

Kurnik: This savory pie is made with chicken, rice, and mushroom filling with a creamy sauce. An authentic Russian specialty!

Soups: Given the long, harsh winter conditions in Russia, soup is always been a staple food even for holidays like Easter, such as borsch, rassolnik, and lapsha.

Salads: There are many types of salads that are a part of Russian cuisine and are eaten for Easter including beet salad, cucumber salad and egg salad. They are often served with various seasonings such as horse-radish, mayonnaise, dill, and garlic, adding special pungency to the dish.

Ham in the dough: Simply stated…delicious ham baked in a flaky crust.

Draniki: A type of potato pancake, draniki is often fried and stuffed with grated potatoes, onions or garlic and seasoning. This dish is also very popular throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

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