The Eighth Tribe, 1977 (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1977-04-01 / 4. szám
Page 6 THE EIGHTH TRIBE April, 1977 The most significant Germanic invadors included the Gepids (248 A.D.), the Vandals (ca. 270 A.D.), the Visigoths (late 4th c.), as well as the Ostrogoths (early 5th c.). The last of these were pushed into the Carpathian Basin by the great Hunnic invasion of the early fifth century (ca. 401-411), which opened a completely new chapter in the history of the region. For half a century the lands of the Middle Danube and the Tisza Rivero became the center of one of the greatest nomadic empires. The death of the great Hun ruler Attila in 453, however, was followed by the rapid disintegration of his state. After a series of bloody wars against the subject peoples, most of the Huns withdrew to the region of the Sea of Azov. There they gradually lost their identity by merging with various related Turkic tribes, including the Ogurs or Onogurs who had come down from the Volga-Kama area about that time. It was also in the Azov region where these Huns came into contact and intermingled with the already partially Turkified Magyar tribes. These Magyars then added the Hunnic lore to their own national traditions, and came to regard the Carpathian Basin as their earlier homeland, to which they must once return. While scholars have long abandoned the idea that the Magyars or Hungarians are direct descendants of the Huns, popular belief still regards this theory as a historical truth. And this is equally true for the Magyar masses, as well as the non-Magyars. The only difference between them is that the Magyars view their alleged descent from Attila and the Huns with a great deal of pride, for to them the Hunnic Empire of the fifth century A.D. stands for their own past national greatness. The non-Magyars, on the other hand, look upon Attila and the Huns simply as the exponents of barbarism and destructiveness. Needless to say — as it is usually the case with popularly held beliefs -— neither of these views are correct. On the one hand, while there are some connections between the Huns and the Hungarians, the latter are not the direct descendants of the former, and consequently the Magyars can hardly claim the achievements of Attila and the Huns as their own. On the other hand, while not exactly the ideal neighbor, Attila was no more a vicious barbarian, than any of the other great empire builders of comparable stature. Certainly, his alleged “barbarism” never approximated the viciousness of such allegedly “civilized” Roman emperors as Nero, Caligula and a number of others. Attila’s only “sin” was that he was an able and successful leader of men. And the militarily humbled nations of Europe could never forgive him for his ability and success. The Fall of the Hunnic Empire in the middle of the fifth century 20 apparel as well as tablecloth, plump pillows, etc., throughout are quite noticeably outstanding. What was particularly worthwhile about this community happening is that it was stated as being the first ethnic presentation of this kind for this area library; the event evolved through the coordinated efforts of the Woodbridge Library and the Hungarian American Citizens’ Club, the latter’s presidentelect being George Vigh. Other presentations presumably will be likely to be held in the future as interest continues to be increasing among a number of individuals of Hungarian, as well as other heritages, throughout the immediate and surrounding regions. All in all, this type of occasion is not only enlightening educationally and enriching culturally, but assuredly constructive and highly enjoyable to experience. • • • Hungarian Independence Day Commemoration—1977 Our Lady of Hungary School, Mindszenty Hall Catherine Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey The remembrance of March 15, 1848 was observed via the sponsorship by some combined parishes in the Perth Amboy-Woodbridge locale during this Sunday afternoon program, with a warm welcome extended by Rev. Stephen G. Horvath, Our Lady of Hungary Church, to an audience of between 400-500 persons. Opening remarks were made by Chairman Frank E. Prybeck, followed by presentation of the parish flags conducted by John P. Mészáros and John Krilla, after which both the American and Hungarian anthems were sung. Opening prayer was tendered by Rev. Basil Rakaczky of St. Michael’s Catholic Byzantine Rite Church; Master of Ceremonies was Oliver R. Kovács. Recital of Sándor Petőfi’s poem “Nemzeti Dal” (“National Song”) by Frank Tobias preceded the main presentations. Children from Our Lady of Hungary School preferred a skit and songs entitled “Édes anyám, kedves anyám” (“My dear, sweet mother”), “Nagy a világ” (“Large is the world”), and “Szép vagy, gyönyörű vagy, Magyarország” (“Beautiful, glorious land of the Magyars”); greetings were given by Susan Rada; Andrea Szabó and Sándor Lengyel, after which a solo entitled “Honvágy” (“Nostalgia”) was sung by Julius Czermann as well as performance of a Hungarian Dance by girls of the Eighth Grade. The Magyar Reformed Church had a mixed group of women and men, both younger and maturer, all with beautifully embroidered costumes made specifically for this occasion. Rev. Stefan M. Török proferred a poem entitled “Emlékezés egy régi Márciusra” (“Remembrance of one March of long ago”). Other poems were “Három szál virág” (“Three flowers”) recited by Tibor Menyhért, “Segíts rajtunk ó nagy Isten” (“Help us O great God”) delivered by Anthony Helyes; “Székely Miatyánk” (Székely Prayer) was given by Mrs. Yolanda Benga, and “Székely Himnusz” was sung by members of the Church, followed by Hungarian Melodies. Keynote speaker was the Rev. George Pogány (Irvington, N. J. Catholic Church), who delivered “The Message
