Valentine’s Day is a day of love, romance, and affection celebrated by couples all over the world. But Valentine’s Day in Hungary is also an opportunity to honour traditional customs and traditions.
As we explore the rich heritage of love-struck traditions in Hungary, we will uncover how this special day is marked by the exchange of love notes, the giving of sweets, the celebration of friendship, and the tradition of the “apple of love.”
Exchanging Love Notes: A Timeless Tradition
One of the most cherished customs of Valentine’s Day in Hungary is the exchange of love notes. In the past, lovers would express their feelings through handwritten letters or poems, but today, this tradition has evolved to include digital means. Despite the changing times, the sentiment remains the same – to express love and affection towards the one you care about.
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Unique and Enduring Love Traditions: From Apples to Falling in Love
Valentine’s Day in Hungary is not just marked by the exchange of love notes and sweets, but also by several old traditions and superstitions related to love. One of these traditions involved young girls eating apples with nine seeds and putting the seeds into the pockets of the boys they admired.
It was believed that the boy who received the nine seeds would fall in love with the girl who gave them to him. Another tradition involved girls lighting matches and observing the direction in which they burned, as it was believed that this indicated the direction from which a girl’s future lover would come.
Girls were also forbidden from sweeping on this day, as it was believed that doing so would prevent them from getting married. Additionally, it was thought that if someone drank water from nine wells, they would fall in love with the person who brought it. These traditions and superstitions highlight the rich heritage and cultural significance of Valentine’s Day in Hungary.
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Sharing Sweet Treats: A Sweet Gesture of Love
Sweet treats play a big role in “Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Hungary.” Couples exchange gifts such as chocolates, candies, and other sweets to show their love for one another. A popular Hungarian treat for Valentine’s Day is heart-shaped gingerbread cookies, known as “mézeskalács szív,” which are often decorated with sweet frosting and loving messages.
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Celebrating Friendship: Love Comes in Many Forms
Valentine’s Day in Hungary is not just about romantic love – it’s also a day to celebrate friendship. Friends exchange gifts, cards, and well-wishes on this special day, showing their love and appreciation for one another. This aspect of the holiday is a reminder that love can come in many forms, and the bonds of friendship are just as important as romantic love.
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A little historical background
Szent Bálint (Saint Valentine in English) is the patron saint of lovers and is widely associated with the celebration of love on February 14th, also known as Valentine’s Day. The origins of Saint Valentine are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed that he was a Christian priest who lived in the third century AD and was martyred for his faith.
According to legend, Saint Valentine was imprisoned for performing marriages for Christian couples in secret, as the Roman Emperor Claudius II had banned marriages for young men in an effort to build a stronger army. Saint Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret and was eventually executed for his actions. Over time, Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers and his feast day became a celebration of love and affection.
The modern celebration of Valentine’s Day in Hungary
The celebration of love in Hungary has a long history, dating back to ancient times when people honoured their gods of love and fertility. However, the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day specifically, as a holiday dedicated to romantic love, has been celebrated in Hungary for several decades, with the tradition of the holiday gradually gaining popularity in the country. The exact date when the holiday was first introduced to Hungary is unclear, but it is believed to have become widely celebrated in the country during the 20th century.
Valentine’s Day in Hungary is a time to celebrate love in all its forms – romantic love, friendship, and family love. From the exchange of love notes to the giving of sweets, the celebration of friendship to the tradition of the love spoon, the rich heritage of “Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Hungary” is a testament to the enduring power of love.