Exploring Hungarian Culture : People, Language and Cuisine

Hungary is a proud country where Eastern Europe meets the West. Its stunning capital of

Budapest, once known as the “Paris of the East,” the mighty Danube River, and flat

countryside with rolling hills in the distance, paint a unique picture of this country’s beautiful

landscape. In the Hungarian countryside, it’s commonplace to catch a glimpse of some

Hungarian culture festivals, which usually revolve around food.

Many inventions like the Rubik’s cube, pen, and refrigerator were designed by Hungarians,

which speaks to the creativity and unique logic of Magyar. In fact, most Nobel Prize winners

per capita come from Hungary!

Family Dynamic

Hungarian families tend to be traditional, but everyone shares in the housework and spends

time together on weekends. Hungarian people like to meet and welcome people from

abroad and treat them as guests. Most Hungarian families consist of two parents and one or

two children. Urban families are typically smaller than rural families, who may have three or

four children. In Hungarian culture, families follow a strict daily schedule. After school or

work, people play sports or other free time activities and try to spend as much time with

their families as they can. During the week, families usually have dinner together. Parents

are closely involved in their children’s lives.

Teenage Life in Hungary

Hungarian teenagers take their studies seriously and work hard for final exams, which are

important for college admissions. In their spare time, they join school or community

organized activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, drama, folk dance, and music clubs.

On weekends, teenagers enjoy going to movies, parties, or to their friend’s houses.

Holidays

In Hungary, “name days” are celebrated. A day of the year is attributed to a name, and

flowers and sweets are given as gifts. On the Eve of Saint Nicholas, on the 6th December kids

are supposed to clean and polish their boots or shoes and put them in the window-ledge so

the MIKULÁS (Santa Claus) can leave some presents, such as nuts, sweets, and chocolate in

them.

Christmas is a family event in Hungary. Family members don’t go out to celebrate with

friends, but close family has a peaceful celebration at home on the 24th December and visit

almost all of their family members between December 25-26th. Hungarian people usually

spend New Year’s Eve with friends. They go to a house-party or organize one themselves.

Official Language

Magyar, also known as Hungarian, is the official language of Hungary, and it’s related to

Finnish and Estonian. English and German are widely spoken foreign languages, though

there are also several recognized minority languages in Hungary.

Communication Styles

Hungarians like jokes and have a good sense of humour. They infuse passion and storytelling

into their conversations, often while raising their voice. Generally, they are direct

communicators who freely express their innermost thoughts and feelings in a blunt manner.

Making eye contact with others is considered polite and a sign of sincerity in Hungarian

culture. Refusing to hold eye contact with another person may be interpreted as a sign of

disingenuousness. Showing affection in public is accepted and personal space is relatively

small. Good friends, especially younger people, will put their arms around each other’s

shoulders when they walk together.

The Hungarian Diet

One of the most popular and well-known Hungarian dishes is goulash, a stew made with

meat, potatoes, and paprika. Dishes are typically served with potatoes or noodles and there

are lots of delicious breads and pastries to try! Typical Hungarian dishes tend to be hearty,

but culinary habits are changing, so the food is lighter than in the past but without losing its

great flavors. Paprika and other spices and sauces are used in many dishes.

Breakfast is usually a quick meal except on weekends when it can be richer. Hungarians tend

to start their day with cornflakes or muesli, bread with jam, or ham and vegetables, or eggs.

Lunch is a warm meal consisting of two courses: a main course (meat with rice or potatoes

and some salad) and soup or dessert. Dinner tends to be a cold meal or some salad and

pasta with ground poppy seeds.

Ethnic Interactions

Within Hungary, the majority of the population identify as ethnically Hungarian (85.6%).

Hungarians may call themselves ‘Magyars’, a term that specifically refers to both

the ethnic group and the language. In the post-WWI period, Hungary was compelled to sign

the Treaty of Trianon, which led to the redrawing of the country’s borders. This meant that

Hungarians lost two-thirds of the country’s total land. Consequently, more than 3 million

Hungarians were located in neighbouring countries. Some families were forced to leave their

homes or were separated from other family members. At the end of the communist period

(1989), the Hungarian government assumed responsibility for supporting ethnic Hungarians

living outside the country’s borders. Many ethnic Hungarians living outside of Hungary in

these regions still keep strong cultural ties with the motherland and are often known as

‘Hungarians from across the border’.

Hungarian Society and Stratification

The communist period diminished many of the social and economic differences that were

once present in Hungary. During the communist era, most people had secure jobs with a

steady income, yet felt discontent towards the government. In the post-communist period,

life became uncertain with the reduction in job security and massive changes to the

economy. Additionally, many services and industries were privatised, including housing. This

continues to impact Hungary, whereby financial matters, such as housing, continue to be apoint of concern for many. With the lack of available housing and rising cost of houses, it is

becoming increasingly difficult for many to own a house

Demeanour and Attitudes

A common attitude among many Hungarians is a sense of sombreness and nostalgia. One

will often express discontent about past events, present conditions or doubts about their

own future. Some Hungarians tend to be past-oriented, often looking at the past as greater

than the present. For example, some Hungarians look at the pre-Trianon era as a time in

which Hungary was flourishing economically and the standard of living was higher. This

tendency is referred to as Trianon Syndrome and has remerged at various points in history.

In the post-communist period, Trianon Syndrome resurfaced and continues today among

some Hungarians. Some are still concerned about the events surrounding the Treaty of

Trianon while others prefer to look beyond the event. This split in attitude is evident in

political, social and cultural life. For example, some consider dates of significance as defeats

from the past, while others look to celebrate the successes of Hungary, such as

achievements in the sciences, scholarship and arts.

You can reach us through our enquiry portal and our official website. We are also available

on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and WhatsApp.