A lot of interesting Easter customs and traditions still alive all over Hungary.

Egg painting is one of the oldest traditions of Easter. For thousands of years, eggs have been regarded as powerful symbols of life and the natural cyclesof renewal. Also, Hungarian decorated eggs were originally almost always red eggs, because red symbolizes renewal and the sprouting of new life.

You will also find that floral motifs are often incorporated in the decoration from the various folk regions found in Hungary. Since much of Hungarian folk design has floral elements, the same motifs were transferred onto the eggs.

Another Hungarian Easter tradition is the “sprinkling”.

On Easter Monday, young farmhands were allowed to throw a bucket of cold water over girls of marriageable age to ensure they become good wives and bare many children; and even to dip them in a stream. This ritual is associated with fertility and cleansing rites left over from pagan times.

Now eau de cologne or parfum has mainly replaced the water. On Easter Monday boys and men go from house to house visiting family, friends and sometimes colleagues spritzing a little Eau de Cologne on the female’s hair, picking up all kinds of treats along the way, Easter eggs, home-made cakes, wines and a shot of pálinka.

Easter bunny:
On Easter Sunday the Easter bunny brings presents for the kids, which they have to find during the Easter egg hunt.

Easter meal:
Traditional Easter meals include boiled smoked ham, horseradish, boiled eggs and Easter bread.

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