Category: Customs & Traditions

Interview with Csárdás Dance Company

| January 25, 2010 | 0 Comments
Interview with Csárdás Dance Company

With beautifully embroidered costumes and energetic music, Hungarian folk dancing is rooted in rich culture and heritage. It originally began as a pastime for villagers many years ago. Although folk dancing may not be a part of daily life in Hungary anymore, it is still celebrated and embraced by many people. Here is a featured [...]

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Traditional Polish foods

| January 11, 2010 | 2 Comments
Traditional Polish foods

Polish people like to eat, drink, socialize, and have fun. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a local’s house for dinner or even a simple meal, just be sure to bring a healthy appetite! You’ll find plenty of delicious and savory dishes. Here is a list of some traditional Polish foods. Pierogi A dumpling of [...]

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Grey cattle: a Hungarian national treasure

| January 6, 2010 | 0 Comments
Grey cattle: a Hungarian national treasure

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 [...]

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Szaloncukor: Hungarian Christmas Candy

| December 8, 2009 | 1 Comment
Szaloncukor: Hungarian Christmas Candy

There’s no doubt that Hungarians sure love their sweets! Szaloncukor is a type of candy made from fondant that is hung from Christmas trees as decorations in Hungary. The tradition of hanging these candies on the Christmas tree started in the 19th century. It was named Szaloncukor because the tree usually stood in the parlor, the most luxurious [...]

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Interview with the Romanetz Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

| December 7, 2009 | 2 Comments
Interview with the Romanetz Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

Ukrainian dance is often described as energetic, fast-paced, entertaining and colorful. In Western Canada, Ukrainian dancing is highly popular as the region is noted for its large Ukrainian community. Here’s a featured interview with the Romanetz Ukrainian Dance Ensemble based in Winnipeg, Canada. Tell us a bit about The Romanetz Ukrainian Dance Ensemble? How did it get [...]

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Origin of the Christmas Tree

| November 3, 2009 | 0 Comments
Origin of the Christmas Tree

Did you know the custom of decorating a Christmas tree originated in Germany? Although, neither an inventor nor a single town can be identified as the sole origin for the tradition but it’s believed the custom began in 16th century Germany. One legend tells how Martin Luther, a 16th-century Protestant reformer first added candles to [...]

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