Hungarian Culture Facts: Learn All About Hungarian Habits And Customs

There are many interesting facts about Hungarian culture that you may not know.

Did you know that Hungary is home to more than 10 million people? Or that the Hungarian language is one of the hardest in Europe to learn?

Records of Hungarian history indicate that this striking European country was under the Roman Empire till the fourth century! Today, Hungary is considered to be a landlocked country residing in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe and sharing its borders with countries like Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Its capital city is Budapest and the total population living in the capital city is 1.709 million. Most Hungarian people are Roman Catholic.

The Hungarian king, King Stephen I, the founding founder of the state was also the person to lead Hungary toward Christianity. Hungarian Forint is the official language spoken by native people and it is in fact, one of the hardest European languages to learn.

Hungary was one of the first countries in Europe during the communist era to resist the Soviet regime during the well-known Cold War. This further led to the famous Hungarian Revolution of 1956 where the nation rose up against the Soviet Union.

However, Hungary remained a communist country till 1989 when it re-opened its borders with Western Europe. Hungary has a long tradition of classical music with famous composers like Zoltán Kodály, Béla Bartók, and Franz Liszt.

The national anthem of Hungary is a poem written by Ferenc Kolcsey in 1823.

The national anthem was chosen in 1844 and was composed by Ferenc Erkel. During the communist regime in Hungary, the national anthem of Hungary, 'O my God, the Magyar bless,' was sung without any changes.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most important aspects of Hungarian customs and habits. Whether you are planning a trip to Hungary or just want to learn more about this fascinating country, read on for some interesting insights!

Values And Beliefs

Every culture is known for its cultural values, beliefs, and ideologies that form the foundation of its society. The culture of Hungary is so rich and strong in folk traditions, and it has its own unique style that is influenced by a variety of ethnic groups, including the Roma people.

One of the most important aspects of Hungarian culture is the country's strong values and beliefs system. Hungarians are known for being very patriotic people, with a deep love and respect for their heritage and traditions.

Family is considered to be a cornerstone in Hungarian society, and many Hungarians place great value on spending time with their friends, family members, and loved ones. Therefore, be it a barbecue or a graduation, a Hungarian will be there!

The people strongly believe in maintaining friendships and relationships and will do everything in their power to make it work for the long run. Hungarians are emotion-driven. Honesty, trust, and transparency are two emotions that they strongly regard and won't mind sharing some intimate details of their lives with you, seeing you as their own!

This is however not the same when it comes to sharing their thoughts. Hungarians are also very sociable and extroverted, making sure that you're not left out in the conversation!

The people of Hungary do not like confrontations so they live very peaceful lives with one another. There are hardly any quarrels or arguments that break out. They make sure to always be polite, taking extra care to not hurt your feelings in any way.

Doing Business In Hungary

Hungary is an outstanding place to do business and has been seeing a steady rise in the rate of development.

If you are doing business with Hungarians, it is important to be aware of their cultural values, beliefs, and the Hungarian ethical code. Business culture in Hungary is quite formal, and it is considered impolite to be too personal with someone you have just met.

Hungarians are known for being very hardworking people, and business deals tend to move slowly but surely. However, be cautious of your moves and stay alert from scammers.

When negotiating a deal, always be prepared to offer a fair price and do not try to take advantage of your Hungarian counterparts. Hungarians appreciate honesty and integrity in business dealings, so make sure that you are upfront about all aspects of the deal.

They also value tradition and often like to do business with people they know and trust. It is crucial to be patient when negotiating with Hungarians.

Be aware of the country's customs and etiquette.

Hungarians are known for being very direct in their communication, so it is best not to beat around the bush. Be aware of the importance that Hungarians place on honesty and hard work - if you make a commitment, be sure to follow through with it and stick through with your word!

When meeting with Hungarian colleagues or clients, dress conservatively and avoid too much personal contact (such as hugging or kissing). It is also customary to bring a gift such as flowers or chocolates when meeting someone for the first time.

History And Ethnic Relations

The history of Hungary is full of interesting twists and turns! Its historical cities filled with beautiful Roman, Greek, and Turkish architecture along with its rich culture attract tourists from all over the world. Hungary has faced 2,000 years of a violent history that has led to such a strong unification of its people.

The capital city, Budapest, or an even more apt description of the two cities of Buda and Pest. They occupy the areas around opposing banks of the Danube river and are known to be cosmopolitan cities.

The cities have undergone many significant changes in recent decades. Initially, the cities had broken roads, however, now lie pretty cobbles and slate streets.

Today, Budapest is home to more than two million people and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, lively nightlife, and delicious food.

The first Hungarian settlement was established in the year 800, and the country has been ruled by many different empires over the years. With the occupation of the Buda Castle in 1541, the then Hungarian Kingdom was split into three parts.

One came under the control of the Habsburgs, the other was the Principality of Transylvania, while the third part was occupied by the Turks. Hungary became an independent republic in 1918 but was later occupied by Nazi Germany during World War Two.

When the western powers were accepted in the world, after the Second World War, Hungary came under Soviet occupation.

In 1956, most of the nations raised their voice against Communist rule and the Soviet Union occupation. The country remained under communist rule until 1989.

Since then, Hungary has been a democratic republic. After the regime was changed in 1989, the Hungarian government made itself responsible for the maintenance of ethnic and linguistic Hungarians, who were residing outside the borders.

The Hungarian language is extremely unique but it is also a very difficult language to learn. The language is believed to have originated from the steppe of Central Asia and derived from the Magyar tribes who were responsible for locating Hungary and deeming it a nation.

Before World War Two, the most important language in the country was German and it is also commonly used as a second language till today!

The relationship between Hungary's various ethnic groups has not always been peaceful. The Hungarian people have descended from many different ethnic groups, including Slavs, Germans, Celts, and Romans. The relationship between Hungary's various ethnic groups has not always been peaceful. Over the years, the Hungarians have developed their own unique culture and traditions.

Gender Roles And Status

The status of women and men in Hungary is relatively equal, although there are some traditional gender roles that still hold sway. Women in Hungary have the same legal rights as men, and they are able to work outside the home if they choose to do so.

Typically, the culture in Hungary is based on traditional gender roles, with women often occupying a subordinate position in society. Men in Hungarian society have more responsibility, and women often face discrimination in the workplace.

Men are expected to be strong and stoic, and it is not considered acceptable for them to show their emotions in public.

Men are typically considered to be the breadwinners in Hungarian society, while women are expected to take care of the home and family. This can make it difficult for women to achieve equality in both the workplace and at home.

Hungarians are also well-educated, holding education as an important aspect of their lives. Around 99 % of the total population is highly literate. However, this is changing and women are becoming more and more empowered.

Today, there are many successful Hungarian women who hold important positions in business and government. Progress is being made towards gender equality in Hungary. The country has ratified numerous international treaties promoting gender equality, and more women are entering into traditionally male-dominated fields.

Marriage, Family, And Kinship

Hungarians typically marry at a young age, and the average family size is relatively large. In Hungarian culture, it is considered important for children to be raised by both their mother and father. Extended families are often very close-knit, and members of the extended family often help out with childcare and other household duties.

The traditional family unit in Hungary is the nuclear family, which consists of a father, mother, and their children. The Hungarian ideal is for the parents to stay together until death do them apart, and it is not uncommon for grandparents to live with their children and grandchildren.

In Hungarian culture, kinship refers to the relationships that people have with their relatives. Hungarians place great importance on family and kinship ties, and they often maintain close relationships with their extended families.

Did you know?

In 1992, a canal was constructed that links the river Danube to the Main River in Germany. This allows goods to be shipped from the North Sea to the Black Sea.

Hungary has one of the most important thermal spring systems in Europe, having some amazing hot springs. The country boasts no less than 1,500 spas, all featuring some stunning Turkish, Greek, and Roman architecture.

Even the lakes are filled with warm water springs and because of this, tourists from all over the world throng at this spot to spend a relaxing day or two.

Lake Balaton is one such lake and is Europe's largest and shallowest lake. The best time to bathe in this lake is during the months of May to September, when the sun warms up lake water.