Itt-Ott, 1990 (23. évfolyam, 114-117. szám)

1990 / 115. szám

ceremony at one time. The ceremony is usually held at the city hall or in a meeting hall at the parents’ workplace. The child’s parents, namegiving parents, the registrar, family and friends are present. During the ceremony, a group of four to six year old children recite poems, sing songs, and give the infant a blue tie. The tie signifies that the child is accepted into the community. The registrar gives a speech and urges the parents and namegiving parents to watch over the child so that he will become a law-abiding citizen and a hard-working, honest person. (The necessity of being a Communist Party member is not mentioned.)

From the parents’ workplace or from the Trade Union the child receives a savings book with 500-1000 forints, and from the namegiving parents, depending on their wealth, money and gold jewelry. In subsequent years some namegiving parents give money, toys and clothing.

After the namegiving ceremony, the family and friends gather at the child’s parents’ home for a meal. The food is prepared by the child’s parents or grandparents, and invited guests often contribute pastries, fruit, wine and brandy.

Even though namegiving ceremonies are encouraged, many people, especially in the villages, still hold christening ceremonies, some Communist Party members hold both ceremonies, and there are people who hold neither ceremony, and only enter their child’s name at the registry office.

Since the beginning of the 1980’s, more and more people have been attending church services and participating in religious rites, without repercussion from the government.

Due to the present anti-Communist sentiment and the radical changes in government, it is too early to tell whether christening will again take a prominent place and namegiving will be considered a “custom of the past” in Hungarian villages and towns.

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ITT-OTT 23. évf. (1990), nyári (115.) szám 35