In this article, we are going to introduce you to the Hungarian national anthem, the song that is the heart of any nation. This one, however, is known for its melancholy and dour tone. Despite all this, it is important to know as part of the Hungarian culture, to truly understand this complex nation. For this reason, we are going to show you the full Hungarian anthem lyrics in English, so you'll be able to understand the whole song. It must be noted, however, that due to the old age of the piece, some of the words in the text are no longer grammatically correct! Will you spot which ones? Now, we are going to cover not only the lyrics but also the history of the piece and nation, as well as occasions when you might hear the Hungarian... Show more

If you want to visit a country, be it for a short-term summer vacation or a long-term business stay, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its culture and society. Hungary is no exception. In fact, understanding Hungarian culture is just as crucial as knowing the key words and phrases.  It will help you better integrate into the society and make your interactions with locals much smoother and more authentic. In addition, showing Hungarians that you’re curious about the culture of Hungary can go a long way toward helping you form relationships. On this page, you’re going to learn about Hungarian cultural norms, some of the country’s history, and more Hungarian culture facts you should know. If you pay close attention, you can... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/rNj1-XZKOZA 1848 was a time of forradalom (revolution), upheaval, and general discontent throughout Europe. Several different nations vied to achieve their unique political and social goals, and the Hungarian revolts of 1848 were particularly significant.  In this article, you’ll learn about the 1848 Revolution of Hungary and how it’s commemorated today. Let’s get started! 1. What is 1848 Revolution Memorial Day?  The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 began on March 15, 1848, as Hungary followed the lead of many other European nations. Much of Europe was caught in a great upheaval during this time, with different nations trying to achieve varying—though similar—goals regarding the... Show more

World War I wreaked havoc and wrought loss around the globe. Hungary, in particular, was very hard-hit come the end of the war, forced to muddle through life after a treaty her people deemed unfair. In this article, you’ll learn about the Treaty of Trianon, traditions for National Unity Day in Hungary, and some useful vocabulary you should know. Let’s get started. 1. What is National Unity Day in Hungary? The Day of National Unity, also known as the Memorial Day of the Treaty of Trianon, is a holiday to commemorate a great nemzeti tragédia ("national tragedy" ) that occured as a result of World War I. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the unity that Hungary was still able to achieve in the face of disaster and... Show more

Do you remember being a kid? For me, any day off of iskola ("school”) was a treasure, and I would look forward to any and all vacations! In Hungary, Children’s Day is a special occasion for every gyerek ("child”), a holiday set aside just for them. The importance of Children’s Day in Hungary can’t be overstated, as this is a time for parents and the general population to acknowledge children’s rights and make them feel loved. In this article, you’ll learn about the origins of Children’s Day, Hungary’s typical celebrations and events for this holiday, and more. Let’s get started. 1. What is Children’s Day in Hungary? Originally, Hungary celebrated something called Children’s Week, beginning in 1931. However, since... Show more

Nemzetközi nőnap, or International Women’s Day in Hungary, is a special holiday set aside just for women. In Hungary, Women’s Day means lots of gift-giving and showing one’s appreciation for the most important women in one’s life. Every hölgy, or "lady," enjoys receiving gifts and sweet wishes. In this article, you’ll learn all about celebrating International Women’s Day in Hungary! Let’s get started. 1. What is International Women’s Day? Starting with the International Women's Day history, this holiday can be traced back to 1909, when the Socailist Party of America organized an event for women in New York. This idea for a Women’s Day quickly spread to Europe, which had its first Women’s Day celebrations in 1911. In 1913,... Show more

In Hungary, practicing Christians celebrate the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve. These are called the Purple, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Sundays, originally known as the Advent Sundays. In this article, you’ll learn all about this festive and deeply meaningful holiday, from its history to modern-day traditions for the Advent period. At HungarianPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative—starting with this article! Let’s get started. 1. What is Bronze, Silver, Gold Sunday? Purple, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Sunday are the four successive Sundays leading up to Christmas. These are not public holidays, but rather Christian holidays that have been commercialized... Show more

Do you know the meaning of St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary? Really, there are two meanings. On St. Stephen’s Day, Hungary observes both: A Christian holiday to celebrate St. Stephen, the first king of Hungary A celebration commemorating Hungary’s 1000-year unbroken statehood In this article, you’ll learn more about the long history behind the Feast Day of St. Stephen of Hungary, who is perhaps the most significant historical figure in the country. The effect that time and change can have on a country and its celebrations is truly fascinating, and at HungarianPod101.com, we hope to make this a fun and informative learning adventure! By delving into the St. Stephen Feast Day, you’re opening yourself up to greater cultural... Show more

Mother's Day, celebrated in countries all over the world, is a day of showing love and appreciation for one’s mother or motherly figures. Traditions for Mother's Day in Hungary vary in some ways from celebrations in your own country, though there are bound to be many similarities, too. In Hungary, Mother's Day is when you can expect to see little children giving their mothers handmade Mother's Day gifts, Mother's Day cards, or sweet-smelling lilacs. Maybe even while singing the words Orgona ága, barackfa virága (literally meaning "Organ Branch, Peach Tree Flower" ) to honor their beloved mothers. By learning about how Hungary celebrates Mother's Day, you're both showing respect for the country of your target language, and giving... Show more

Learn all the Hungarian New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join HungarianPod101 for a special Hungarian New Year celebration! Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March - December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated. So, how do you say Happy New Year... Show more