Bethlen Almanac 2001 (Ligonier)

The Bethlen Home

A Starting of New Traditions

The Bethlen Home finds it important to carry on the traditions that were founded in the European and Hungarian communities from which our facility was founded.

For the first time our residents enjoyed learning and receiving a surprise on December 6th, which is called “Mikulás Nap” or St. Nicholas Day. Tradition tells us that “Mikulás bácsi” leaves candy or small goodies in children’s shoes, which are to be placed outside their doors overnight. However, those who have been naughty during the year would receive a lump of coal or twigs tied together in their shoes.

This year the residents of Bethlen Home, Ligonier Gardens and our Cottage Residents enjoyed receiving a surprise visit from our “Mikulás Nap” on the morning of December 6th. Residents placed their shoes outside their room. Staff members Edit Szep and Magdalena Ujvagi filled their shoes with their special treat. Several of our residents who enjoy teasing our staff were given a “surprise treat” of onions and potatoes along with their regular treat.

Edit and Magdalena did a beautiful job in creating and bringing this tradition to life in our home for our residents. They both recently started the position of co-directors of the Bethlen Home Cultural Program on February 1,2002.

Edith Szep and Magdalena Ujvagi display the treat bags that were distributed for 200 people.

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