The Best Gifts for Újév (New Year’s Day)
Újév (New Year’s Day) is a special holiday that can be make more memorable with a well thought out gift. We have come up with some unique ideas for gifts for Újév (New Year’s Day) along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is Újév (New Year’s Day)
Újév (New Year’s) Day in Hungary is a time for family, friends, and reflection. The festivities begin on New Year’s Eve, December 31st. On this day, many Hungarians attend church services or participate in special New Year’s Eve traditions. A popular tradition is to eat lencse főzelék, a lentil stew, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. As the clock strikes midnight, people raise a glass of pezsgő (champagne) or bor (wine) and exchange New Year’s greetings with friends and family. Fireworks light up the sky as people celebrate the arrival of the new year.
On New Year’s Day, many Hungarians visit their relatives and friends to exchange gifts and well wishes. It is customary to give small gifts, such as chocolates, flowers, or bottles of wine. Some people also send New Year’s cards to their loved ones. In the evening, many Hungarians gather for a festive dinner with their families. Traditional New Year’s Day dishes include töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), sült malac (roast pork), and bejgli (poppy seed or walnut roll).
In addition to family gatherings and gift-giving, there are many other ways to celebrate Újév in Hungary. Many towns and cities host New Year’s Day concerts, festivals, and fireworks displays. Some people also enjoy going ice skating or skiing on New Year’s Day. Újév is a time for joy and celebration, and it is a day when Hungarians reflect on the past year and look forward to the year to come.
Here are some additional details about Újév in Hungary:
- New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Hungary, so many businesses and schools are closed.
- The Hungarian flag is flown on all public buildings on New Year’s Day.
- The Hungarian national anthem is played on television and radio stations at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- Some people in Hungary believe that it is good luck to eat fish on New Year’s Day, as it is a symbol of prosperity.
- Another popular New Year’s Day tradition is to “sweep out” the old year and “sweep in” the new year. This is done by sweeping the floors of the house on New Year’s Day, starting from the back door and ending at the front door.
Best Gifts For Újév (New Year’s Day)
Hungary: In Hungary, people exchange symbolic gifts that represent their hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Popular gift choices include:
- Marzipan pigs: These edible figurines are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Chimney sweep figurines: These figurines are associated with good luck and fortune.
- Four-leaf clovers: These plants are believed to bring luck and happiness.
- Horseshoes: Horseshoes are seen as symbols of good luck and protection.
- Coins: Coins are often given as gifts to symbolize wealth and abundance.
Austria: Austrians traditionally exchange small, practical gifts on New Year’s Day. Some common gift ideas include:
- Lucky charms: These charms are believed to bring good luck and fortune in the coming year.
- Candles: Candles represent light and hope for the future.
- Chocolate coins: These coins are a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Books: Books are seen as a gift of knowledge and wisdom.
- Flowers: Flowers are a symbol of beauty and joy.
Germany: In Germany, people often exchange gifts that are related to their personal interests or hobbies. Some popular gift choices include:
- Books: Books are a popular gift choice for readers and lovers of literature.
- Music: Music CDs or concert tickets are great gifts for music lovers.
- Movies: DVDs or movie tickets are a perfect gift for movie buffs.
- Games: Board games, video games, or puzzles are fun gifts for people of all ages.
- Gift cards: Gift cards allow the recipient to choose their own gift.
Czech Republic: Czechs traditionally exchange small, token gifts on New Year’s Day. Some common gift ideas include:
- Sweets: Chocolate, cookies, and other sweet treats are popular gifts for all ages.
- Toys: Toys are a great gift choice for children.
- Candles: Candles represent light and hope for the future.
- Flowers: Flowers are a symbol of beauty and joy.
- Gift baskets: Gift baskets filled with a variety of small items are a popular choice for friends and family.
Slovakia: Slovaks often exchange practical gifts on New Year’s Day. Some common gift ideas include:
- Clothing: Clothes are a practical and versatile gift choice for people of all ages.
- Household items: Household items such as dishes, cookware, and linens are popular gifts for newlyweds or people who are moving into a new home.
- Gift cards: Gift cards allow the recipient to choose their own gift.
- Money: Money is a traditional gift choice for children and young adults.
How To Make Újév (New Year’s Day) More Memorable
Celebrating Újév (New Year’s Day) is a time for joy, reflection, and the anticipation of new beginnings. To make this special day memorable, many countries have unique customs, festivals, and gift-giving traditions.
Hungary:
In Hungary, New Year’s Day is known as Szilveszter. This day is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and a traditional meal called “szilveszteri vacsora.” The meal typically consists of roasted pork, stuffed cabbage, and lencse főzelék (lentil stew). Hungarians also exchange gifts on this day, with popular choices being chocolates, flowers, and bottles of wine.
Czech Republic:
New Year’s Day in the Czech Republic is called Nový rok. A popular tradition on this day is to eat “šočovice na kyselo” (sour lentil soup). This soup is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Czechs also exchange gifts, with common choices being jewelry, clothing, and books.
Slovakia:
In Slovakia, New Year’s Day is known as Nový rok. One unique tradition in Slovakia is to eat “bobáľky” (dumplings filled with poppy seed paste) on this day. Bobáľky are believed to bring good luck and happiness in the new year. Slovaks also exchange gifts, with traditional choices being handmade crafts, pottery, and wooden toys.
Poland:
New Year’s Day in Poland is called Nowy Rok. A popular tradition on this day is to eat “barszcz czerwony” (beetroot soup) and “pierogi” (dumplings filled with sauerkraut or mushrooms). Poles also exchange gifts, with common choices being chocolates, flowers, and books.
Romania:
In Romania, New Year’s Day is known as Anul Nou. A unique tradition in Romania is to dance the “hora” (traditional circle dance) on this day. Romanians also exchange gifts, with popular choices being clothing, jewelry, and traditional Romanian handicrafts.
By incorporating these unique customs and gift-giving traditions into your Újév (New Year’s Day) celebration, you can create a memorable and meaningful experience that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country you are celebrating in.
