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| Christmas Carnivals » Christmas Around The World » Christmas In Hungary |
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Christmas In Hungary |
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Christmas in Hungary is an elaborate and private affair. The Christmas season starts with Advent in Hungary. Beautiful Advent wreaths can be seen in stores, schools, offices, and in almost every home. People start preparing for Christmas with the beginning of Advent. Decorated with red and gold ribbons, the candles symbolize
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life and brightness. Christmas in Hungary does not see great light decorations in the streets or other public places, but the houses are well decorated with lights.
Christmas in Hungary has an interesting aspect. The Christmas tree is never decorated before the Holy Night. Christmas is a private, family holiday in Hungary, attending Christmas parties is not that common. Most families decorate the tree together, but in some families the tradition of keeping the Christmas tree as a surprise for the children is maintained (children believe that it is brought by angels). Gifts are strewn around the Christmas tree with small labels saying the name of someone in the family. Family-members sing Christmas songs together, then open their gifts and spend the night together. Christmas dinner is usually fish or cabbage with the special poppy-bread called “beigli”.
However, the main celebration of Christmas in Hungary takes place on Christmas Eve. The evening is called Szent-este or Holy Evening. Families attend the mid night mass and sing carols. On December 6th the children receive a visit from Mikulas or St. Nicholas. He wears the robes of a bishop, with a red miter on his head, a staff in one hand and a sack full of small presents in the other. A “devil” accompanies him. Usually, the gift is a small toy or sweets. Christmas in Hungary sees a lot of nativity plays. Stay connected to
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