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As a teacher in Hungary, I always emphasize to my students the significance of March 15, 1848. This day marks our revolution for independence from the Habsburg Empire. We wear cockades (rosettes) with national colors, and children recite poems by Petőfi Sándor. The atmosphere in Budapest is especially moving with everyone wearing the national colors of red, white, and green.

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Szent István napja is perhaps our most important national holiday. As I explain to my students, this day honors our first king, St. Stephen, who founded the Hungarian state and brought Christianity to our nation. The highlight is always the spectacular fireworks over the Danube in Budapest. We also celebrate with the blessing of the new bread, symbolizing the year's harvest.

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While teaching about May 1st, I share both its historical significance as Labor Day and how we celebrate it today. Families gather in parks for picnics, and many towns organize festivals with traditional food and music. The iconic 'májusfa' (May tree) is still erected in many villages, continuing a lovely old tradition.

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Every year, I make sure my students understand the bravery of the 1956 Revolution. This day commemorates the Hungarian uprising against Soviet rule. We light candles and place them at memorials. The Parliament building is open to visitors, and there are solemn ceremonies nationwide. It's a powerful reminder of our fight for freedom.

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Easter Monday is one of my favorite times of the year! Boys and men visit girls and women to 'sprinkle' them with perfume or water, reciting a traditional poem. In return, they receive painted eggs and traditional treats. My students love learning about egg painting techniques, and we always organize workshops before the holiday.

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December 6th brings Mikulás (St. Nicholas) who fills children's boots with sweets and small gifts. Then comes Christmas, celebrated on December 24th evening in Hungary. We decorate our tree with szaloncukor (special wrapped candies), and families gather for a traditional dinner of fish soup and bejgli (poppy seed and walnut rolls).

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https://www.tiktok.com/@daraweinstein/video/7017141284657745158

In Hungary, we celebrate not only birthdays but also name days! Each given name has its dedicated day in the calendar. As a teacher, I notice how excited students get on their name days, often bringing treats to share with classmates. It's a unique Hungarian tradition that adds extra joy to our year.

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this tradition also exists in Scandinavia! #nameday #hungary #linguistics #nametok #names #babyname #OneSliceChallenge #etymology

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@daraweinstein
this tradition also exists in Scandinavia! #nameday #hungary #linguistics #nametok #names #babyname #OneSliceChallenge #etymology
♬ original sound - Dara Weinstein

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Each February, I take my classes on a field trip to Mohács for the famous Busójárás festival. This UNESCO-listed carnival features scary-looking masked figures called 'busós' who chase away winter. The atmosphere is incredible with traditional music, dancing, and the burning of a coffin symbolizing winter.

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September brings the Budapest Wine Festival at Buda Castle, and as a local, I always recommend it to visitors. Throughout the year, different wine regions host their own festivals. The Tokaj and Villány festivals are particularly famous. These events celebrate our rich wine-making traditions with tastings, music, and folk performances.

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As an educator, I've observed how holidays strengthen our community bonds and national identity. They provide opportunities for families to come together, pass down traditions to younger generations, and celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Whether it's a national commemoration or a family celebration, these occasions help preserve our Hungarian traditions and values for the future.

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Holidays like birthdays and national holidays play a really important role in our lives for several reasons:

1. Celebration and Joy

Birthdays mark the passage of time in our personal lives. They give us a chance to celebrate ourselves, reflect on our growth, and feel appreciated by family and friends.

National holidays celebrate shared history, culture, and achievements. They remind us of what connects us as a community or country.

2. Strengthening Relationships

Holidays bring people together. Birthdays often mean gatherings with loved ones, which strengthen bonds.

National holidays often involve communal events—parades, ceremonies, festivals—that unite people, creating a sense of belonging.

3. Rest and Rejuvenation

Taking time off during holidays allows us to relax, recharge, and break the routine of work or school.

This rest improves mental health and productivity when we return to daily life.

4. Reflection and Gratitude

Both personal and national holidays provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year or historical events.

They encourage gratitude—for life, for freedoms, for achievements.

5. Cultural Identity and Tradition

National holidays preserve traditions and cultural heritage, passing them on to future generations.

Celebrations like birthdays also carry family traditions that nurture identity and continuity.

In short, holidays aren’t just fun days off—they’re meaningful moments that enrich our emotional well-being, strengthen our connections, and help us appreciate life more fully.

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Why Holiday Traditions Feel So Important To Us