Szőke Judit - Kiss Kitti: A kóser konyha. Skanzen füzetek 3. (Szentendre, Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum, 2010)

The history of this Jewish feast is contained in the Book of Esther of the Bible that tells about the escape of the Jews living under Persian regime. Esther, the wife of the Persian ruler, Ahasvérus (Xerxes I, 4.86-465 BC) and her foster father, Mordechai saved the Jews despite the murderous order of the revengeful minister, Haman. The king, owing to Esther's good offices, allowed the Jews to protect themselves against the soldiers sent to exterminate them and the armed Jews were victorious over their attackers. This miraculous escape is remembered at Purim.

3

4 Several religious traditions and customs are relating to this feast. The Book of Esther is read in the synagogue and presents—cakes, candies, nuts, fruits or cooked dishes—are sent to the members of the family, relatives or the poor in need. In the countryside even before WWII the children, similar to the carnival traditions, dressed up in costumes and went round the streets telling Purim good wishes for which they received money, cakes, nuts or some presents in return. At Purim every Jewish family had a ceremonial feast where even the women had to drink at least one glass of wine.

3' It is a custom even today to dress up and have a party at Purim and, following the ancient traditions, drink as much alcohol as one cannot distinguish the cursed Haman from the blessed Mordechai. The three most typical cakes at Purim were kindli, flódni and Haman bag; the recipes are as follows: 4

3 Tátrai 1990.149. W Ferenczi 1990.137. 30 E3IÏÏÏÏS1