Karácsony in Hungary
Christmas Day is a holiday in Hungary. Christmas Day is called Karácsony in Hungary
When is Christmas Day in Hungary
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25, December, 2023 in Hungary.
About Karácsony in Hungary
Karácsony, also known as Christmas, is one of the most important holidays in Hungary. It is celebrated on December 24th and 25th, following the Christian tradition.
Preparations for Karácsony begin weeks in advance, with families decorating their homes and setting up a Christmas tree. The tree is adorned with lights, ornaments, and often topped with a star. Nativity scenes are also commonly displayed, depicting the birth of Jesus.
On the evening of December 24th, families gather for a festive dinner called “Szenteste” or “Holy Evening.” The meal typically consists of traditional Hungarian dishes such as fish soup, stuffed cabbage, roasted pork, and bejgli (a rolled pastry filled with poppy seeds or walnuts). Before the meal, many families attend a midnight mass at their local church.
After dinner, the Christmas tree is lit, and families exchange gifts. In Hungary, it is believed that the presents are brought by the “Angyal” (Angel) or “Mikulás” (Santa Claus) who leaves them under the tree. Children eagerly unwrap their gifts, and families spend the rest of the evening together, singing carols and enjoying each other’s company.
On December 25th, families often attend a church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The day is spent with loved ones, indulging in delicious food and continuing the festive spirit.
Throughout the holiday season, there are various other traditions and customs in Hungary. For example, children often participate in Advent calendars, where they open a door each day leading up to Christmas, revealing a small treat or surprise. Another popular tradition is the lighting of Advent wreaths, with a candle being lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Overall, Karácsony in Hungary is a time for family, togetherness, and celebration. It is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and to appreciate the joy and love that comes with the holiday season.
History of Karácsony in Hungary
Karácsony, which means Christmas in Hungarian, is one of the most significant holidays in Hungary. Its history can be traced back to the arrival of Christianity in the region.
The celebration of Christmas in Hungary has evolved over centuries, influenced by various cultures and traditions. In the early years of Christianity, the holiday was primarily associated with religious observances, similar to other Christian countries. The Hungarian Christmas traditions were heavily influenced by German and Austrian customs.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of Christmas in Hungary dates back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Stephen III. However, it was not until the 16th century that Christmas became a widely celebrated holiday in the country.
During the Ottoman occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries, the celebration of Christmas was suppressed. The Protestant Reformation also had an impact on the holiday, as some Protestant denominations did not emphasize the celebration of Christmas as much as the Catholic Church.
In the 18th century, the celebration of Christmas started to regain popularity in Hungary. The influence of German and Austrian traditions became more prominent during this time. The Christmas tree, known as “karácsonyfa” in Hungarian, was introduced to Hungary from Germany. The tradition of decorating the tree with ornaments and candles also became popular.
In the 19th century, Christmas became a family-centered holiday in Hungary. The Christmas tree became a central part of the celebration, and families would gather around it to exchange gifts and sing carols. Traditional Hungarian dishes, such as fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and beigli (a rolled pastry with various fillings), became associated with the holiday feast.
During the communist era in Hungary, from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, Christmas celebrations were downplayed to some extent. The focus was shifted towards the celebration of New Year’s Eve, which was considered a more secular holiday. However, many families continued to celebrate Christmas in their homes, preserving the traditional customs and traditions.
Since the fall of communism, the celebration of Christmas has regained its prominence in Hungary. The holiday is now widely observed, and families come together to celebrate with festive decorations, gift-giving, and traditional meals. The streets are adorned with lights, and Christmas markets offer a variety of goods and delicacies.
Overall, the history of Karácsony holiday in Hungary reflects a blend of religious, cultural, and historical influences, resulting in unique traditions and customs that are cherished by the Hungarian people.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Hungary
Karácsony, or Christmas, is celebrated in Hungary with various traditions and customs. Here is how it is typically celebrated:
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Advent: The Christmas season starts with the four Sundays of Advent. Many Hungarians have an Advent wreath with four candles, and each Sunday leading up to Christmas, they light one more candle.
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Decorating the Christmas tree: On December 24th, families decorate the Christmas tree together. The tree is typically adorned with lights, ornaments, and tinsel.
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Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration in Hungary. Families gather for a festive dinner, which often includes traditional dishes like fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and beigli (a rolled pastry filled with poppy seeds or walnuts). After the meal, they exchange gifts, which are traditionally brought by the “Little Jesus” or “Angels.”
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Midnight Mass: Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a common tradition for many Hungarians. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the service is filled with carols and prayers.
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Santa Claus and the Angels: In Hungary, Santa Claus (Mikulás) visits children on December 6th, leaving small gifts in their boots. On Christmas Eve, it is believed that angels bring the presents, and children often recite poems or sing carols to welcome them.
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Christmas Day and Boxing Day: Christmas Day and the following day, Boxing Day, are typically spent with family and close friends. It is a time for relaxation, enjoying leftovers from the Christmas Eve dinner, and visiting loved ones.
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Traditional activities: Throughout the Christmas season, there are various traditional activities in Hungary. These include attending Christmas markets, where people can buy handmade crafts and enjoy festive treats, such as kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and mulled wine. Caroling is also a common activity, with groups of children or adults going door-to-door, singing Christmas songs and receiving small gifts or treats in return.
Overall, Karácsony in Hungary is a time for family, delicious food, gift-giving, and spreading joy and goodwill.
Dates
Christmas Day will be celebrated in Hungary on 2023-12-25, 2024-12-25, 2025-12-25, 2026-12-25, 2027-12-25 in the comming years.
