The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1985 (12. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
1985-07-01 / 7. szám
1 BIRMINGHAM CUSTOMS The Hungarian people share some customs with other European ethnic cultures. However, they also observe many customs which are unique to their own culture. Hungary has its own versions of the Christmas Play, which are practiced at St. Stephen’s church and at St. Michael’s church. Such plays celebrate the birth of Jesus. The forces of good, as exemplified by the Christ Child, conquer the evil forces in the world. The method of presenting the plays originated in ancient times when minstrels and entertainers played to street audiences and groups of people in their homes before there were theatres or large meeting places. In the Hungarian play, shepherds (Bethlehemeses) dressed in strange, beautiful costumes (far removed from a shepherd’s real clothing), carry a small, beautifully-crafted church in which lies the Infant Jesus. They are followed and harassed by the oreg (old man), who wears animal skins and a fearsome headdress with homs. He has a long fur tail and carries an ax with which he pretends to attack mankind (usually children who follow the players). Attempting to convert the evil oreg, the shepherds sing traditional hymns and pray. The play ends when the oreg is finally convinced and falls on his knees before the Infant Jesus. In America, the Bethlehemeses present their play at the various taverns on Christmas Eve, and at the same time collect money (tips) for the church. On Christmas Day, they visit private homes and present their play to those who wish to see it. Again, the Bethlehemeses receive donations for the church. On Holy Saturday, many Catholics in Birmingham prepare their Easter food and take it to church in their prettiest basket covered with embroidered cloths. There the food is blessed and then taken home for the family to eat. On Monday following Easter Sunday, groups of boys in the community carry bottles of perfumed water and “sprinkle” the girls. The next day, girls do the same to the boys. Originally, holy water was used with the intention of eliminating evil spirits. Today, some young people dump water balloons on the heads of unfortunate “sinners”. The feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the bread changed into the Body of Christ. There is a procession in the streets and the Blessed Sacrament is carried by the priest under a beautiful canopy. The people of the parish follow as the Blessed Sacrament is carried to each of the four altars on the route. The altars represent the carrying of the faith to the North, South, East and West. Special prayers are said, hymns are sung, and a benediction is given at each altar. During the week following the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, the pastors of the Catholic churches visit and bless their parishioners’ homes. The blessing of homes, an old-world custom, reminds us of the Three Wise Men who visited the Infant Jesus with gifts and blessings for Him. The priest blesses the home with incense and holy water. Then, on top of the inside door, he writes with chalk the initials of each of the Wise Men. A very touching custom at St. Stephen’s Church occurs at the funeral of a deceased member of the Rosary-Altar Society. The members attending the funeral carry lighted candles and stand in the church aisle as the deceased is carried past. The members also join in prayers and the singing of hymns. The carrying of the lighted candles signifies the lighting of the deceased’s way to heaven. As a reward for hard work and the harvesting of crops in the fall, Hungarian peasants would enjoy a grape festival or Szuleti Ball (harvest dance). They would dress in native costumes and join in a parade led by gypsy musicians. Then followed an afternoon or evening of feasting and dancing in which young and old alike participated. This was an occasion of great fun. It is still celebrated in many areas of the United Stated where those of Hungarian descent live. The grape harvest has been gone for many years, but its memory is still celebrated. These and other customs are still a very real part of our heritage. With renewed interest in ethnic backgrounds, many groups have revived the old customs. Ethnic arts and crafts, as well as customs, are enjoying a revival all over the world, as civilization teaches us to forget old and meaningless prejudices and take pride in our unique differences. by Christine Singlar, Student Cardinal Stritch High School __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 Eighth Hungarian Tribe
