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Retes are a Hungarian strudel. There are a variety of fillings you can put in retes that range from sweet to savoury. Sweet rete fillings mainly consist of fruit or poppyseeds, while savoury rete fillings are mostly made of cheese, spinach, cabbage or ground meat. Retes are served at Christmas, Easter, weddings, celebrations, gatherings and festivals or just as an after meal dessert.

To learn how to make a poppyseed rete, click here: https://www.bigoven.com/recipe/rtes-hungarian-strudel/896664

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With a pure heart by Attila József (audio file)

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With a pure heart by Attila József (audio file)

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Attila József was one of Hungary's most prominent poets of the 20th century. He wrote "With a pure heart" in 1937, a year before he died. In the poem, József touches on the ideas of idealism, purity, and the desire for a better world. The poems reflects his inner conflicts, his need for a more real and honest life, and his want to escape society's limitations.

To hear the poem read aloud in Hungarian, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j2ZUmKhdKQ

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A prince wanted to marry but his father wouldn’t let him until he completed a great deed. The prince decided to set out in search of the three bulrushes. Along his journey, he encounters various individuals who guide him towards the three bulrushes. Eventually he finds them and breaking open the bulrushes, he releases three maidens, with two flying away but the third and most beautiful becoming his beloved. However, on their journey back, a swineherd's daughter impersonates her, causing the prince to mistakenly marry her. Eventually, the truth is revealed, and the prince rescues his Ilonka from the well where she had been thrown. The swineherd’s daughter and her entire family are killed, and the prince and Ilonka marry, living happily ever after.

Read the story in more detail here: https://fairytalez.com/lovely-ilonka/

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the visitation by master M.S. (text file)

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the visitation by master M.S. (text file)

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This painting was painted in 1506 in the Northern Gothic, Flemish Primitives style by one of the most prominent Hungarian artists ever. His life and name is unknown and the only clue people have of his identity are the initials "M.S." he signed his paintings with. The painting depicts the meeting of virgin Mary and St. Elizabeth, both pregnant with miracle babies.

To learn more about the background and the analysis of the painting, click here: https://www.theartofpainting.be/AOM-Visitation.htm#:~:text=The%20'Visitation'%20of%20the%20Master,rocky%20landscape%20in%20the%20background.

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Francis II Rákóczi, 1712, by Ádam Mányoki

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Francis II Rákóczi, 1712, by Ádam Mányoki

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This painting depicts Francis Rákóczi II, the ruling prince of Transylvania, leader of the Kuruc forces (a group of Hungarian partisans who fought against the Habsburgs) and one of the most famous heroes in Hungarian history. This painting by Ádám Mányoki is considered the most beautiful Hungarian baroque painting.

To find out more about the life and times of the artist, analysis of the painting and the history behind Francis Rákóczi II, click here: https://en.mng.hu/francis-rakoczi-ii/

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The May Tree, or "május fa," is a Hungarian tradition celebrated in May. It involves raising a tree decorated with ribbons, fruits, sweets and a bottle of palinka. It symbolises the arrival of spring. It is also seen as a romantic gesture as well. A way for a young man to show that his feelings towards a girl was genuine, in which case he would tie small presents to the branches as well.

To delve in deeper to this enchanting tradition, click here: https://studyinhungary.hu/blog/colourful-springtime-tradition-in-hungary-the-may-tree

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Hungarian folk dances include those from regions across Hungary. They are known for their vivacious motions, deft footwork, and vibrant costumes. Different dances hold different purposes. For instance, the Maypole dance (Májusfa tánc) was a celebratory dance used to welcome spring and Czardas, Hungary's national dance was a courting dance.

To see Hungarian folk dances being performed, click here: https://youtu.be/ISjHd71FzEg

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Advent wreaths are a Hungarian Christmas tradition where a wreath is made out of evergreen branches and four candles are arranged on it to symbolise the four weeks of advent and a large candle placed in the middle to represent the life of christ. A candle is lit once a week at the dining table and the large one lit at christmas eve.

To learn more about advent wreaths and other Hungarian Christmas traditions, click here: https://hungarianliving.com/christmas-in-hungary-by-elizabeth-a-szabo/#:~:text=During%20the%20Advent%20season%20some,lighted%20at%20the%20dinner%20table.

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Busójárás is an annual ritual that takes place at the end of winter. It happens over the span of 6 days when men dress up in frightening wooden masks and parade around in an attempt to scare away the winter and welcome the spring.

To watch the festival in progress, click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Gr8AFtNfo

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St. Martin's day is prominent across Europe and it celebrates the life and deeds of St. Martin, the patron saint of beggers. St. Martin's day generally falls during November which happens to be the harvest season for grapes and the migration season for geese so people commonly eat geese dishes and wine with their families. Public festivals are also held in celebration.

To learn more about St. Martin and Hungarian St. Martin's day traditions, click here: https://welovebudapest.com/en/article/2017/11/10/explainer-st-martin-s-day-celebrations-in-hungary/

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Húsvét or Easter is a significant Holiday in Hungary in which men read poems to girls then sprinkle them with perfume or chase after them with buckets of water to drench them with. Not only is it a festival to celebrate the rebirth of Jesus, but also a celebration of fertility and new begginings.

To learn more about other Húsvét traditions in Hungary, click here: https://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/easter-traditions-observed-across-hungary

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Here is a list of the more prominent creatures in Hungarian mythology. To learn about them individually in more detail, click the link below.

Szélany(Wind mother)/ Szélkirály(Wind king): The male and female counterpart of the same diety. They control the wind.

Garaboncias: Magical humans born with all their teeth in

Sárkány: Dragons

Lüdérc/liderc: Similar to a succubus. Feeds upon the lonely and grieving, often taking the form of a dead lover.

Tündérek: Fairies. They are beautiful women who appear in groups. Both good and evil ones exist.

Bábák/boszorkány: Witches. Mischievious and wise old women who can wield magic.

Törpék: Dwarves. Mischievious, cunning little creatures who dwell in forests.

https://travelnhistory.com/legends/hungarian-mythology/

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Before Christianity was introduced, Hungary had it's own native, polytheistic faith stemming from Uralic and Norse mythology. Below I have listed the most prominent ancient Hungarian Gods and Goddesses.

Isten: The father God, creator of the universe. Controls the world and shapes the fate of humans. Sends warnings to Humans via lightning bolts.

Ördög: The devil. A shape-shifting demonic creature that is typically depicted to look like a faun. In charge of the dark forces and creator of everything bad for humans. Dwells in the underworld.

Istenanya: The mother Goddess, Isten's female counterpart. Goddess of the moon, fertility and childbirth. Believed to be the mother of all living creatures.

For more details on other Gods and Goddesses, click the link here: https://travelnhistory.com/legends/hungarian-mythology/

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A prince returns home depressed by the inevitability of death and his desire for immortality. He embarks on a journey to find immortality, encountering an eagle king, a bald king, and a mist veiled queen each of whom make him an offer to stay. Eventually, the prince finds the land of immortality and lives there happily for a thousand years, after which he wishes to see his family again. The queen of the land of immortality gives him two flasks of water. One to kill instantly and revive the dead. On his journey back, he encounters the mist veiled queen, the bald king and the eagle king and revives them, all of them promising to repay him in the future. He returns to his father's kingdom, now a sulphur lake, where Death appears to capture him. The mist veiled queen, bald-headed king, and eagle king fight against Death, stalling him until he reaches the gates of the land of immortality where Death captures the prince. The Queen of the land of immortality agrees to a bet to decide the prince's fate. They would throw the prince up and if he landed within the city walls he would be safe but if he landed outside, Death would take him. Luckily, the prince landed within the city walls and the queen then commands her servants to expel Death from the Land of Immortality, ensuring he never returns

To read this in more detail, click here: https://fairytalez.com/prince-seek-immortality/

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In a distant forest, there is a beautiful lake where fairies admire themselves. Narcissa, the vain fairy princess, loves frequenting there to receive praise. She overlooks her modest sister, Forget-me-not. Forget-me-not is kind and unknowingly beautiful. While playing in the garden, Forget-me-not discovers the lake and is praised for her beauty. Narcissa becomes jealous and pushes Forget-me-not into a well, where she meets an old fairy. Forget-me-not agrees to serve her in return for shelter. She falls in love with the old fairy's son, the prince, but must hide her true identity by wearing a bat's skin. She visits the prince in his dreams, and he becomes enchanted, setting out to find her. Mistaking Narcissa for the fairy, the prince is pushed into the water, but ultimately saves Forget-me-not and they lived happily ever after.

To read this in more detail, click here: https://fairytalez.com/forgot-me-not/

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Cattle breeding and sheep herding were some of the main professions in Hungary, especially the Great Plain and this is reflected in their clothing. The clothing is made of materials like sheepskin, linen and leather. It's wide to allow people to keep cool in the hot, dry climate and to maximise practicality and range of motion while riding horses and farming. The clothes are always decorated with intricate embroidery, typically in a floral pattern.

To read more about the traditional clothes of the Hungarian Great Plain, click here: https://nationalclothing.org/europe/49-hungary/115-traditional-costume-of-hungary-mix-of-renaissance-and-baroque-creates-unique-folk-outfit.html

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The folk costume of the Transylvanian region of Hungary

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The folk costume of the Transylvanian region of Hungary

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The folk costume of the Transylvanian region of Hungary for men include short shirts belted with wide sashes, breeches, wide, pleated trousers, dark vests and a coat. For women, the folk costume include embroidered linen blouses, pleated skirts, aprons, petticoats and bonnets. The intricacy of their headresses varied depending on age, marital status and occasion. For both men and women, their clothes were decorated with embroidery and braid trim. The clothes were designed to allow air circulation during the hot summers, hence their width, but still keep people warm during the cold winters (ex: the layers and the fur coats)

To read more about The folk costume of the Transylvanian region of Hungary, click here: https://nationalclothing.org/europe/49-hungary/115-traditional-costume-of-hungary-mix-of-renaissance-and-baroque-creates-unique-folk-outfit.html

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Hungarian embroidery is detailed and rich in colour. The style and colours used can vary depending on the different regions in Hungary and reflect local folklore as well as the available textiles. One shared characteristic however, are the floral designs of the embroidery. It is used to embelish clothes and household objects like curtains, bedsheets and tablecloths.

To learn more about Hungarian folk embroidery, click here: https://magyarmuseum.org/hungarian-embroidery/hungarian-embroidery/

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Grant me tranquillity by Bálint Balassi (text file)

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Grant me tranquillity by Bálint Balassi (text file)

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"Grant Me Tranquillity" is a famous Hungarian Renaissance poem by Bálint Balassi, reflecting his personal struggles and his quest for inner peace. Written as a prayer, Balassi implores God to grant him solace and tranquillity.

Click here to read Grant me tranquillity in Hungarian and English https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hoKgIkpjoRoZkPFdU45c8wSRqH3rlC5zKmBn1S4BB84/edit?usp=sharing

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The Hungarian parliament building is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The construction process spanned from 1885 to 1902 and no expense was spared with some of the building's decorations being crafted from 23 carat gold. The building itself is a blend of a Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance style.

To read more, click here: https://www.parlament.hu/web/visitors/house-of-parliament

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The Buda castle has a rich history and has gone through many reconstructions throughout the years. The first castle was built in the early 13th century by King Béla IV after the Mongols invaded. It was then followed by a Romanesque castle in the 14th century, a Gothic-style palace during Sigismund's reign, a Renaissance palace in the 15th century, and a smaller Baroque palace in the 18th century. The castle was damaged during World War II, but reconstructed in 1950, incorporating the ruins of the 15th-century palace. Today, the Buda Castle houses the National Library, National Gallery, and Budapest History Museum.

To learn more, click here: https://aviewoncities.com/budapest/buda-castle

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St. Stephen's Basilica is a church dedicated to St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary and the man who introduced Christianity into the country. Construction began in 1851 and was completed in 1905., built in a neo-Renaissance style. It sustained damage during World War II and underwent restoration. Today, it remains a cherished religious site and as well as a popular tourist attraction.

To learn more, click here: https://www.bazilika.biz/en/history-of-the-church

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History of the Church - Szent István Bazilika - Budapest

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St Stephen’s Basilica and Co-Cathedral of the Archbishopric

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Hungarian paganism is a pre-Christian religious system that worships a multitude of gods and goddesses. Rituals and ceremonies are a central part of Hungarian paganism, they honour the gods and goddesses in hope that they will maintain the natural balance as well as bless the people. Spiritual leaders called Táltos play a crucial role in performing rituals, divination, healing, and providing spiritual guidance. Some traditional beliefs and practices were combined with Christianity. Despite facing suppression due to Christianization, during the 19th century, people and organisations began working towards researching and reviving Hungarian paganism.

To learn more, click here: https://dailynewshungary.com/the-worldview-of-hungarian-paganism/

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Eastern Orthodox Christianity is a major branch of Christianity originating in the Byzantine Empire as well as one of the largest religions currently being practiced in Hungary. There is an emphasis on Saints, traditions, icons, elaborate rituals, sacraments and hymns. The Divine Liturgy is the central worship service, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople as the highest spiritual authority among men.

To learn more, click here: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-Orthodoxy

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Eastern Orthodoxy | Definition, Origin, History, & Facts

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Eastern Orthodoxy, one of the three major doctrinal and jurisdictional groups of Christianity. It is characterized by its continuity with the apostolic church, its liturgy, and its territorial churches. Its adherents live mainly in the Balkans, the Middle East, and former Soviet countries.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary (ELCH) is the third largest historical church in the country, dating back to the Protestant Reformation. During the Reformation era, Lutheranism gained significant influence in Hungary, particularly in the regions of Transylvania and Upper Hungary (present-day Slovakia) although it did face periods of persecution and suppression during times of religious conflict and political changes. Lutheranism in Hungary is organised into three dioceses: Northern, Southern, and Western (Transdanubian), each headed by a bishop. Congregations are dispersed throughout the country, with some larger clusters in Nyíregyháza, Békéscsaba, Budapest, and the western region.

To learn more about the history of Lutheranism in Hungary, click here: https://brill.com/previewpdf/book/edcoll/9789047442165/Bej.9789004166417.i-533_012.xml

To learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary, click here: https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Evangelical-Lutheran_Church_in_Hungary

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Goulash is a Hungarian broth or stew made from meat, vegetables and spices (mainly paprika) that was first made by Hungarian shepherds who needed a filling meal that they could cook over an open fire while travelling long distances. Goulash is served hot, either alone or accompanied by bread, noodles, or dumplings and it is the national dish of Hungary and is eaten as an everyday meal but also at traditional celebrations and festivals.

To learn how to make goulash, click here: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/hungarian-goulash/

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Pálinka is a traditional fruit brandy or spirit that originated in Hungary and is regarded as Hungary's national spirit. The drink is clear and tastes and smells strongly of fruit. Traditionally it was made in the more rural regions of Hungary during harvest season as a way to make use of the extra fruit. There are even Pálinka festivals in Hungrary.

To learn more about Palinka, click here: https://www.itshungarian.com/hungarian/drink/palinka-hungarian-national-spirit-medicine-small-portion-remedy-bigger-one-2/

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I am a part of the am a part of the "Kaleidoscope Museum Project", an initiative made up of like-minded people who share a common goal: to preserving the beauty and uniqueness of world culture by recording the culture of different developing nations around the world in a multimedia format, making it accessible to everyone in the online community no matter where you are. We operate internationally, with people across the globe working together to make this a reality. This project is ongoing with all participants continuously collecting data, utilising multimedia platforms like Padlet to compile and present relevant information, images, videos and audio files. We are motivated by the speed of globalisation and its negative effects which leads to cultural homogenization and the overshadowing of smaller national identities, creating a sense of urgency to protect minority cultures for posterity. With this project, we hope to fight this and celebrate the diversity of each individual world culture.

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Colours and Years by Margit Kaffka (text file)

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Colours and Years by Margit Kaffka (text file)

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Colours and Years was written in 1912. The book centres on the life of Éva Kollár, a young woman in early 20th-century Hungary, focusing on themes of love, marriage, parenthood, and personal fulfilment while battling the constraints, expectations, and difficulties that women are faced with in a patriarchal society.

Read an excerpt of Colours and Years here: https://www.babelmatrix.org/works/hu/Kaffka_Margit-1880/Sz%C3%ADnek_%C3%A9s_%C3%A9vek/en/1798-Colours_and_years

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Hungarian folk arts and crafts is extremely diverse and comes in a variety of materials that reflects each region they originate from. They range from gingerbread to horsehair work, each of which extremely intricate. Hungarian arts reflects nature and they make use of floral patterns, often favouring bright colours like blue, orange, red, pink and green.

To learn more about all the different Hungarian arts and crafts in more detail, click the link here: https://festival.si.edu/2013/hungarian-heritage/folk-arts-and-crafts-hungary/smithsonian

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Traditional Hungarian home cooking is becoming endangered due to changing lifestyles, the influence of Western food and international cuisines, the rise of industrialised and standardized food products, time constraints and the desire for convenience. While efforts have been made to preserve traditional Hungarian cuisine, there is still much more to be done.

View gallery here:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15A5cjZdj-keiboD_kf2LQWWNw0ZLlbteDlIoTqRt-bM/edit?usp=sharing

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Traditional Hungarian architecture is becoming endangered due to the rapid urbanisation of Hungary, the demand for new housing that optimises time and space prioritizes modern designs, leading to the neglect or demolition of traditional buildings. To raise awareness, I have compiled the most memorable examples of traditional Hungarian architecture into a photo gallery.

To view the gallery, click here:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1j3xiw3Js4O76dfSgPPh-zw3mDGRJhpRPia6aC8r4vOg/edit?usp=sharing

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Margit Kaffka (1880-1918) was a Hungarian writer, poet and advocate known for her significant contributions to Hungarian literature. She grew up in a fairly wealthy family and recieved a good education. She started her writing career as a journalist but later transitioned to creative writing such as stories, poems and essays. In her work, she focused on social issues, women's roles in society, and the struggles of the working class. On top of her writing, she involved in social and feminist activism, advocating for women's rights, education, and social justice through her writing and public engagements. Margit died at the age of 38 of the Spanish flu so there are no recorded interview clips of her. However, her works still remain and through them, we can let her speak for herself.

Here is her poem Fáradt Emberek read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpqOnIZFlcc

Here is the English version of her poem Fáradt Emberek: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ab8PrSfDnj0sulNC2v-iFQw35LLu9SMwnVdxixQuD3E/edit?usp=sharing

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King Stephen I of Hungary, also known as Saint Stephen, was the first King of Hungary from 1000 to 1038. He introduced Christianity into the country and established it as their official state religion. He implemented many political, legal, and economic reforms as well as constructed churches and monastries and advanced Hungary's trade and agriculture. After his death, Stephen I was declared a saint and is considered a key figure in Hungarian history.

To learn more about King Stephen I of Hungary, watch a short documentary about his life and deeds here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmzD_p_6XoY

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Ancient Hungarian cosmology states that the universe is made up of three worlds and in the centre of the universe is the tree of life. The Upper world (Felső világ), the foliage, is home to the gods who are all on the same level aside from Isten who is the creator God. They believed he created the world with help from Ördög, the devil. The Middle World (Középső világ) is the trunk and the home to humans and mythical creatures. The Underworld (Alsó világ), the roots, is home to Ördög.

To learn more, click here: https://academic-accelerator.com/encyclopedia/hungarian-mythology