HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DIGITAL ARCHIVES - AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HUNGARY

 https://mandadb.hu/ (HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DIGITAL ARCHIVES)

The start page is in Hungarian.  You'll have to use your Google Translator to get to some English.  Here is what the Hungarian National Digital Archives has to say"

Back in 2015, the Hungarian government decided that it was necessary to prepare a digitization strategy, which would encompass the entire Hungarian public collection institution system as a long-term plan. Experts from Forum Hungaricum  also took part  in the creation of the strategy, together with professional and interest representation organizations, with the involvement of actors from the market, civil and scientific spheres  . The strategy was completed in 2017 as part of the Digital Nation Development Program. The finalization was preceded by a dialogue and social consultation process.

PROJECT GUTENBERG HOLDINGS INCLUDE MANY BOOKS IN HUNGARIAN

Project Gutenberg aims to bring you books to download and read at no charge and without a library card. 

Here is the start page for a search using the word 'Hungarian' :

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=Hungarian&submit_search=Go%21

These books are often what is considered to be classic Hungarian literature.

SHELTER OF LOVE

 

SZERETLEK - HUNGARIAN VALENTINE SHAPED GINGERBREAD COOKIES ARE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Hungarian Valentine Shaped cookies are not just for Valentine's Day, but are also made at Christmas and for other evens.  Often of a honey or gingerbread cookie recipe, the decoration can be traditional motifs or quite elaborate.  If you're not talented with the icing, stencils are available so you can use some white powdered sugar over the set red icing.

This wonderful article from Atlas Obscura about decorating cookies will give you the full story of Hungarian traditions.

ATLAS OBSCURA - HUNGARIANS MAKE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GINGERBREAD by Anne Ewbank.

Excerpt: One of the reasons gingerbread is not solely associated with Christmas in Hungary is the popularity of these hearts.  Once traditional gifts from young men for their sweethearts, the hearts often feature small mirrors and the word Szeretlek, a declaration of love.  A girl might return the boy's regard with a gingerbread hussar, or soldier.

Image is from the linked article.  

Copyright Atlas Obscura 2018

CASTLE BUBBLES and A WHIRLING SOUND : ESTAS TONNE and FAMILY

WITH MY BEST LOVE

 

FLIRTING : HUNGARIANS VERSUS HUNGARIAN AMERICANS : A HUGE DIFFERENCE

I have it on good authority. FLIRTING is simply not the same for a Hungarian as it is for a Hungarian-American.  OK, I realize there are individual differences, but basically flirting as Americans know it doesn't exist in Hungary.

Consider these typical flirty things that Americans are known to do:

PAYING COMPLIMENTS - in particular about appearance.

GIVING GIFTS - especially gifts such as jewelry, bouquets of flowers - things that can cost money.

SAYING THINGS THAT ARE THOUGHT OF AS WITTY but not suggestive and never actual sexual harassment.

As it has been explained to me, the average Hungarian does not like gifts that are too costly or fussy in courtship. Something should be useful, sensible, and not a  "waste of money."  This ties into the fact that most people are on a budget, so it's respectful not to expect someone to go over their budget, or sacrifice, to impress you.  (So perhaps a live plant with roots or a package of seeds instead of a bouquet?)

Then, as for paying compliments, such as telling someone they look beautiful or handsome, well, Hungarians don't compliment each other much, so the most sincere a compliment may seem to be some outrageous attempt to manipulate. Besides there is a bit of an expectation that if you want to impress someone when you are attracted to them, you will care for your grooming and dress as nicely as you can.  (And let's face it that some Americans can be both clean and slovenly, such as wearing clothing that doesn't fit, or shows too much wear, especially broken down sports shoes.)

As for saying things that are thought of by Americans as witty, well Hungarians will note the irony in situations and they are also capable of telling stories on themselves. But Americans joking with another person as a way of showing interest or affection might mystify a Hungarian who could be sensitive tor what seems to them to be ridicule.

Sadly, I think flirting is a lost art, but gladly, in my case since I'm a Hungarian-American, once in a while I enjoy flirting and being flirted with. Everyone likes to feel noticed and special, talented or especially skilled, and all good flirts include sincere and believable compliments. So it might be wiser to appreciate something about a Hungarian's accomplishments than their appearance.

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