Agria 43. (Az Egri Múzeum Évkönyve - Annales Musei Agriensis, 2007)

Gyimesiné Gömöri Ilona: „Koszorúba fontuk, amit Isten adott” Aratási hálaünnepek Hevesen

festivals be revived, but combined with the blessing of the new bread. Thus the festival changed, becoming more theatrical in intent. Harvest thanksgiving festivals took place in Heves between 1923 and 1948, being among the most significant religious and social events in the village calendar. Initially organised by young agricultural labourers, the festival was subsequently taken over by church groups and the Gazdakör (Farmers' Circle). The corn dollies that were made for the church and lay leaders took a variety of forms (hearts, circles, houses, crosses, the outline of historical Hungary etc). During the festive procession young people in traditional Hungarian costume took the corn dollies and the bread to the church, where they were blessed by the vicar. The blessing was followed by the sharing of the bread among the assembled and dancing festivities. During the course of the twenty-five years in question several elements changed in the thanksgiving ceremonies. What had been a procession of young agricultural workers gradually became a festival in which all branches of local society took part. During the socialist era the harvest festival was adapted in accordance with the new socio-economic circumstances. 338