Easter in Hungary

Easter is a religious Christian festival celebrated across the world with immense zeal and enthusiasm. The holy occasion commemorates Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection and the commencement of the spring season. The small country of Hungary situated in Central Europe marks Easter as one of the most important holidays. People celebrate the holiday with fun and fervor and enjoy the festivities to the fullest. The occasion is observed as per the rituals of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Easter festivities begin with observing the Great Fast during the Lent. Read through the following lines to know more about the traditions and celebrations of Easter in Hungary.

Easter Celebrations In Hungary
On Easter Sunday, church services are attended by people of all ages. At the end of the service, people carry a statue of Christ and religious banners in a procession across the streets singing hymns. There are a number of interesting Easter traditions that are still cherished by people and are followed religiously. Easter egg decoration is an old folk tradition, which Hungarians participate in every year. Eggs are magnificently decorated, ranging from very simple décor to complex ones. The eggs are painted using the liquid extracted from onion skin or green walnut to give a natural color to the eggs. Various customs are followed for celebrating Easter in its true festive spirit.

The tables are decorated with baskets full of hand-painted eggs in different colors and styles. Colorful spring flowers like daffodils, tulips and pussies are used for decorating tables. Another interesting custom is to pour buckets of water over young women's heads by young men on Easter Monday, also known as Ducking Monday or Water Plunge Monday. Though the tradition has changed over time, it is still enjoyed today. Young boys visit houses in the neighborhood and recite poems to girls. While doing so, they sprinkle perfume or plain water over girls and ask for red eggs or kisses in exchange. Another fascinating tradition followed in Hungary is devoting a day for playing mischief. Known as Locsolkodas, poems are recited, songs are played and activities are held on this day. A number of cultural events and fairs are organized in Budapest during the Easter time.

Since meat is not allowed during the Lenten fast, the fast is broken with meat dishes. The major Hungarian delicacies prepared on Easter include smoked ham with hard-boiled eggs and pickled horseradish. Other meat dishes consisting of pork, poultry, rabbit, roast lamb or beef and meat loaf are also prepared that are garnished distinctively. Spring vegetables, such as lettuce, green onions and cucumber are used to complement the food. For desserts, you have beigli (a sweet cake with a ground walnut or poppy-seed filling rolled up in the shape of a Swiss roll) and the Easter brioche or fresh milk loaf with dried fruits.