Újév in Hungary
New Year’s Day is a holiday in Hungary. New Year’s Day is called Újév in Hungary
When is New Year’s Day in Hungary
New Year’s Day is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in Hungary.
About Újév in Hungary
Újév, also known as New Year’s Day, is a significant holiday in Hungary. It is celebrated on January 1st and marks the beginning of the new year. The holiday holds both cultural and traditional importance for the Hungarian people.
On the eve of Újév, Hungarians often gather with their families and loved ones to celebrate. Many people attend parties, concerts, or fireworks displays to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. The atmosphere is usually joyful and filled with excitement.
One of the most popular traditions on Újév is the New Year’s Eve dinner, where families come together to enjoy a festive meal. Traditional Hungarian dishes such as lentil soup, roasted pork, and stuffed cabbage are often served. These dishes are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
At midnight, when the new year officially begins, people often toast with champagne or sparkling wine and exchange greetings and good wishes. It is common to wish each other a “Boldog Új Évet,” which means “Happy New Year” in Hungarian.
In the days following Újév, many Hungarians take part in various customs and traditions. One popular tradition is the “Újévi Fürdőzés,” which translates to “New Year’s Bathing.” Some brave individuals take a dip in icy-cold water, symbolizing purification and the washing away of the old year’s troubles.
Another customary practice is the exchange of small gifts or tokens of good luck. People often gift each other small charms or trinkets, such as horseshoes or four-leaf clovers, to bring good fortune for the new year.
Overall, Újév is a time of celebration, reflection, and hope for the future in Hungary. It is a time when people come together to cherish their loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and embrace the possibilities of a fresh start.
History of Újév in Hungary
Újév, also known as New Year’s Day, is a significant holiday in Hungary and is celebrated on January 1st each year. The history of this holiday in Hungary can be traced back to ancient times and has evolved over the centuries.
Ancient Hungary, which was inhabited by various tribes, celebrated the arrival of the New Year based on the lunar calendar. The celebration, known as “Újév”, marked the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. It was a time for purification, fertility rituals, and offering sacrifices to the gods for a prosperous year ahead.
With the arrival of Christianity in Hungary in the 10th century, the celebration of New Year’s Day underwent some changes. The Christian calendar replaced the lunar calendar, and January 1st was designated as the official New Year’s Day. The holiday was associated with the Feast of the Circumcision of Jesus Christ and was also known as “Feri napja” (Feri’s Day) in honor of Saint Ferenc.
During the Turkish occupation of Hungary in the 16th and 17th centuries, New Year’s Day celebrations were suppressed, and the holiday lost its significance. However, after the liberation from the Ottoman Empire, the tradition of celebrating Újév was revived.
In the 19th century, Hungary underwent significant cultural and nationalistic movements. The celebration of Újév became an important symbol of Hungarian identity and unity. It was a time for family gatherings, feasts, and exchanging gifts. The holiday was also associated with folklore traditions, such as fortune-telling and divination.
During the communist era in the 20th century, New Year’s Day celebrations were secularized, and the holiday became more focused on the arrival of the new year rather than religious or folkloric traditions. The government organized public events, fireworks, and concerts to mark the occasion.
After the fall of communism in 1989, Hungary returned to its cultural roots, and the celebration of Újév regained some of its traditional elements. Families continue to gather, share meals, and exchange gifts. Fireworks displays, concerts, and parties are organized in major cities to welcome the new year.
Today, Újév is a time for reflection, setting new goals, and spending quality time with loved ones. It is also a public holiday, allowing people to rest and enjoy the beginning of the new year.
How is New Year’s Day celebrated in Hungary
Újév, or New Year’s Day, is celebrated with various traditions and customs in Hungary. Here are some common ways in which it is celebrated:
-
New Year’s Eve Parties: Hungarians often gather with family and friends to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. These parties usually involve music, dancing, and fireworks. Many people also watch the annual New Year’s Eve Gala broadcasted on television.
-
New Year’s Eve Dinner: A special dinner is prepared on New Year’s Eve, which typically includes traditional Hungarian dishes such as stuffed cabbage (töltött káposzta) or pork stew (sült sertéshús). Champagne or sparkling wine is also commonly consumed to toast to the New Year.
-
Fortune Telling: Some Hungarian traditions involve fortune-telling to predict the events of the upcoming year. For example, pouring molten lead into cold water and interpreting the shapes it forms is a common practice. Another tradition involves writing wishes on small pieces of paper, burning them, and interpreting the ashes’ patterns.
-
First Footing: The first person to enter a house after midnight is called the “first footer.” It is believed that the first footer brings luck for the rest of the year. Traditionally, the first footer should be a man, preferably tall and dark-haired.
-
Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are an integral part of New Year’s celebrations in Hungary. People gather in public places or their own backyards to watch or set off fireworks at midnight to welcome the New Year with a bang.
-
New Year’s Concerts: Many cities and towns in Hungary organize special New Year’s concerts or performances. These events often feature classical music, operettas, or folk dances, providing entertainment for the public.
-
Polar Bear Plunge: In some parts of Hungary, particularly near lakes or rivers, brave individuals participate in the “Polar Bear Plunge.” This involves taking a dip in freezing water on New Year’s Day as a symbolic act of purification and starting the year with a fresh start.
Overall, Újév in Hungary is celebrated with joy, merriment, and various customs that aim to welcome the New Year on a positive note.
Dates
New Year’s Day will be celebrated in Hungary on 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01, 2026-01-01, 2027-01-01 in the comming years.