Magyar News, 1991. szeptember-1992. augusztus (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1992-04-01 / 8. szám
Magyar News Monthly Publication in Cooperation of the local Hungarian Churches & Organization REFLECTIONS Where have the essentials of cultural inheritance gone? Why have the cultural beliefs been relegated to a few minor (Americanized) versions of a once rich and meaningful inheritance developed through centuries of traditions and passed down from family to family with little or no change? Being of Hungarian descent, I look back fondly to the many religious, festive, and traditional values that abound from the time I can remember to the present day. No longer are we a European nation in migration that espoused the virtues of family and religion. These aspects of a once proud, colorful culture have gone, as others have, to parts unknown. In our Master Plan to blend into American life-styles, the rich cultural past has been immersed, integrated and relegated into acceptance rather than protecting its tradition. This slow process began with our grandfathers who first came to America in the early 1900’s. Their eagerness to find a “better way” for their families was an essential part of this movement. They believed that integration into American society was necessary to make this “better life.” What the real outcome of this ill thought out cultural departure was to give their sons and daughters a Hungarian culture with somewhat of an American twist. The children, even though they learned and spoke the language to their fathers, mothers, and other elders, were encouraged and often forced to use the English language as a means of acceptance outside of the “Community.” During this transition period, the cultural beliefs were still strong and religiously supported. The grandchildren, my generation, were not provided an opportunity to continue the language for a number of reasons. It was at this point in my life that I moved to a “better area” where my parents bought their first home. The neighborhood, although dominated by European culture and tradition, was a melting pot of Czechs, Slavs, Poles, and Hungarians whose families were going through the same transition as my family. At this particular time, we, as young adults do, started to drift further and further to Americanization even though we continued to celebrate our Hungarian traditions but with a decidedly different flavor. The more education we received, the less culture and religious attachment was felt by us. The not so obvious became obvious. The tight cohesive Hungarian traditions had all but disappeared. The only times they surfaced again were at funerals, weddings, and holidays. Now that my parents have passed on, I can only reflect back to my early years as those filled with home-made breads, meats, and pastries. I long for them to this day, I take solace in recapturing the traditional friendships, upbringing, foods, and celebrations even though they are only in my memory. This point was driven home as my brother and my family sat in St. Michael’s Greek Cathoüc church in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, for my father’s funeral mass. The ornate alter area, the incense, and the wine and bread communion offering brought me back to some of the happiest days of my life. I remember closing my eyes and seeing myself as an alter boy helping the priest serve mass. Even though at this time I didn’t speak nor understand the language, I felt warm and secure as if someone or something was with me during these trying times. During the entire mass, this feeling stayed with me and I once again became a little Hungarian boy even though for just a short time. Even though much of my culture has been locked away in my subconscious, I hope I can instill some strong traditional values into my children. I know they won’t be “OLD WORLD”, but I do know they will be those of hard work, pride, and honesty. After all, these values are deeply rooted in our Ancestral upbringing. Miklós Kopenvats Close to a century and a half the Hungarian people paid their respect to those who, in 1848, demanded freedom and self-determination for the Hungarian nation. For all this time, March 15 was a day of demonstration, a statement that our people will never give up. Patriots’ Day now is different to what it used to be. The door to freedom is open but the nation is like an infant; they have to learn to walk. This is why the spirit of March 15 has to be strong to support the Hungarians in their efforts to make up for the oppression in the past This March 15, the Hungarians in our area gathered the usual way to celebrate. The Calvin Hall, in Fairfield, hosted the event that was sponsored by the Pannónia American-Hungarian Club, the Hungarian Veterans Society, and The American Hungarian Heritage Association. Held together THE JOYOUS MARCH 15 with the American and the Hungarian Anthems, a heart-warming program tookplace. The speaker was Béla Lipták. His excellent article on the Hungarian spirit appeared in our previous issue. With the blessing of Father Szlezák the program started with the Nemzeti Dal. Ferenc Kátay recited the traditional poem. Other poems were recited by József Huszár, Tünde Miklós, Huszár Andrea, and Alexandra Rakaczky. The music added much joy to the program. Rózsikaplayed Brahms’ Hungarian dances, Albert Kovács sang Hungarian songs, both were accompanied by Michael Kaipilow. Justin Margitay-Balogh played folk songs on saxophone, his mother, Claudia led the national anthems on piano. A small dance group from Passaic joined us in the celebration with their uplifting Hungarian dances. Joseph Balogh was happy to MC this nice program. As for many years, this time too, Sárika Balogh organized this successful program. Everybody thanked the ladies for the lovely reception that was done with the usual Hungarian hospitality. It was also nice to see the red-white-and-green in all the lapels. 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