Christmas in the World. Hungary (VIDEO)
By Diana Ungureanu/ Chisinau / Moldova.ORG/ -- To emphasize the equality of the nations, but at the same time respecting the diversity of the peoples living on Earth, we decided to initiate specific articles about celebrating Christmas in various States of the world and specific habits.
The first article in this series I'll dedicate to a state that borders with Romania and which has habits similar in many instances to those of the Romanians.
In Hungary as in any other country be it Christian Orthodox, Catholic or Protestant, is expected Christmas with great pomp, and preparations for the great night start long time before.
On Christmas there was prohibited the work in forests or grasslands; the only work was allowed around the house. There were prohibited loans and borrowings. There wasn't allowed for women to sew, to knit, to embroider or to wash dishes, otherwise they were followed by a misfortune.
On Christmas Eve the laundry washed and put to dry caused illness on the family.
When animals were sleeping on the left side, it meant that the winter will be long and cold. If the rooster sung in the Great Afternoon, it was said that someone from the house will die.
In the minting of bells in the evening, young girls looked up in the wells to see the future husband. Young men were not allowed to eat fatty food, lest future spouses to be unkind. If someone died, was considered lucky, because there were absolved his sins.
The celebration table on Christmas at the Hungarians is complete only if it contains traditional roasted pork, a turkey baked in the oven, pork sausage with spices and the pound cake with nuts. One of the favorite dishes is the fresh fish, with stuffing of rice or potatoes, and sweet homemade cookies.
The Christmas tree is adorned with fruits, cookies, sweets, and candlesticks. These delicious decorations can be eaten by children on Christmas day, in the morning after the Church service.
The night of Christmas Eve is called the Hungarian "Szent-este" or "Holy Night". Before going to the Church, for the Church job at midnight, families gather around the Christmas tree, sing carols and open their presents.
In Hungary, the scene of the birth of Jesus has a great importance in the celebration of Christmas and it is presented with a few days before the holiday, by groups of children, but also by adults who go from house to house. The show includes dolls, costumes, music and dances.
Christmas is the cherished celebration of those who live in Hungary and wait for it the whole year, so that the party is at the expected level.
Comments