Magyar Egyház, 1996 (75. évfolyam, 1-2. szám)
1996 / 1. szám
GROWING UP HUNGARIAN IN AMERICA by Kristina Béres The Mary Katona Scholarship program of the American Hungarian Heritage Association requires an essay written by the applicants. The Magyar News publishes these works in the issues following the award ceremonies. This essay is written by one of this years applicants. My parents emigrated from Hungary in 1972. When my brother and I were going to school, we learned two languages at once. At school we’d speak English and at home Hungarian would be utilized. It was important for my parents to keep the Hungarian tradition, and so my brother and I were sent to Hungarian language class. While growing up, I’ve had a chance to learn about my Hungarian heritage and also to partake in it. Starting from the age of three, I’ve had many wonderful Hungarian experiences. I remember vividly the first time it felt special to be Hungarian—when I recited Petőfi Sándor’s “Tápra Magyar” at the March 15th celebration of 1976. Initially, it seemed merely to be a collection of rhyming words. But to the audience of strange and familiar faces, it was much more than that. I saw people react to the words I had spoken. Some eyes began to tear, their heads held high with pride. Others began to cheer. Although I didn’t fully understand at the time, I knew something 24 PAIRS OF FEET BEAT THE CSARDAS It all happened at the Holy Trinity Social Hall. Not that the pace isn’t used to the Hungarian music and dance, but this was somewhat different. It wasn’ta dinnerdance or an event of entertainment. It was a class. Just like in school. The teacher was Stephan Kotansky from Valley Cottage, NY. His fifteen visits to Hungary, learning and teaching folk dancing, sure made him an expert in this field. The Pannónia American Hungarian Club organized this class with the support of other organizations like the AHHA, and with the generosity of Holy Trinity. Twentyfour teenagers, most of them girls, gathered for the occasion despite the threatening weather. Steve gave an introduction about the cultural regions and in a nut-shell the history of the Hungarian dance. The best part was when they took over the dance floor, learned and practiced the csárdás. They were shown the richness of the steps, also that a person needs stamina to be Hungarian. It was definitely a valuable time spent and we hope that somewhere this seed will fall on fertile soil. If you are interested in participating, then check in with the Pannónia Club. page 4 special had happened. After this experience, I was very eager to participate in other Hungarian events. Shortly thereafter, I was asked to play a small part in the film “Searching for Wordin Avenue”. This film portrayed the plight of the Hungarians who had emigrated to the United States and their struggle to create a new life for themselves. I played a little girl who was saying a tenuous goodbye to her father. I felt so sad that the father had to travel to America to earn money, while the rest of the family had to remain in Hungary—waiting. As I got older, I realized how difficult a choice it must have been for those early Hungarians and also for my parents who had to make similar decisions. They probably experienced many of the same hopes, fears and hardships. After thirteen years of growing up in America, my parents thought it would benefit me to take a trip to Hungary. On my two-month trip to Hungary, I finally had a chance to visit with my grandparents and other relatives. I experienced everyday life in Kisvárda and Pécs. I also got to see the countryside and the spectacular capital city of Budapest. When I turned sixteen, I formally entered the adult Hungarian community as a debutante at the Café Budapest Ball sponsored by the Pannónia American Hungarian Club. I remember being introduced to all the people dressed in formal attire as my father walked me out onto the dance floor. My escort and I started the ball as we danced the traditional waltz and the csárdás. I felt a part of history continuing this feudal Hungarian custom. That night I met and enjoyed the company of Hungarian people from all parts of the eastern seaboard. It was a very special evening that I’ll never forget. My Hungarian heritage continues to help me and others around me. In my daily activities as a nursing student and a volunteer EMT, I’ve had opportunities to use my ability to communicate in Hungarian. On one occasion, a man experiencing a heart attack arrived at the hospital with his wife. They could speak only Hungarian. I was able to translate for the doctors and also comfort the wife through this traumatic experience. I have also had the honor of welcoming the bishop of Hungary, Lóránt Hegedűs, to our church by singing the Hungarian national anthem and “Nagy Istenem.” When I converse with someone in Hungarian, I can’t help but feel a bond with them. It gives me great pleasure to be able to help someone or just make them feel better through my use of Hungarian. I am proud of being raised in the Hungarian community. My parents have helped me very m uch to realize and understand my heritage. They have illuminated the life which is lived in the homeland and therefore I feel connected with all Hungarians. STEPPING STONES OF HISTORY There are many names associated with Hungarian history which are familiar to us. The name Kossuth comes to mind immediately. But, how many of us have more than a superficial knowledge of this and other figures from Hungarian history? Surely, if we are to understand and appreciate the part Hungarians will play in the future, we should be as familiar as possible with our past, especially its outstanding personalities. A series of seven lectures on significant Hungarian historical figures will be presented on Sundays, starting on February 5th, at the First United Church of Christ, 717 Clinton Ave., Bridgeport, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Anthony Szilagyi will present the lectures which will include such figures as Arpad, the leader of the Magyar’s entry into present-day Hungary; St. Stephen, the architect of the Hungarian Kingdom; and others. If you are looking for something interesting and educational to do on a Sunday afternoon this winter, join us on February 5th at 2:00 p.m. when the topic for the first lecture will be Arpad, the founder of a dynasty. Subsequent lectures will take place on the following dates: February 19th, and 26th. March 5th, 19th and 26th. April 2nd. Security Parking will be provided. No admission. For information, call 368- 3103. THE FIRST/THE FINEST HOWE DRIVING SCHOOL JOYCE HOWE - SPEAKS HUNGARIAN 2318 MAIN STREET 588 MONROE TPKE. STRATFORD, CT 06497 ROUTE 1 1 1 (AT THE FLAG POLE) MONROE, CT 06468 375-HOWE 261-0500
