Have you heard of these quirky Hungarian Easter superstitions?

In Hungary, Easter is surrounded by many weird and wonderful customs inherited from ancient times, which were perpetuated through generations, in order to ensure wealth and health in the house. Here is a collection of Hungarian Easter superstitions and lore associated with these holy days.

Sharing the Easter egg

Traditionally, decorated Easter eggs are shared among lovers or family members when eaten instead of one munching on it alone. According to the Hungarian Easter superstition, even if your paths go separate ways next year, you will be united again as you remember the egg you shared at Easter.

Don’t look up to the sky

Back in the day, people would often look up to the sky for clues when facing dilemmas or difficulties. However, on Easter Day, it’s very much discouraged, or else you may lose your sweetheart if you happen to witness a shooting star while staring at the night sky.

Stay away from the broom

Even if you are expecting guests, it’s best if you do the cleaning the day before Easter as sweeping your house may bring misfortune upon you. Along with the dust, you may sweep away your luck as well. Airing your blanket in the morning is also not advised as it can bring about the same result. A tidy home may not always worth the risk.

Magical Hungarian Easter dishes

In Hungarian folklore, many traditional festive dishes are said to have magical properties. For example, Easter bacon is often attached to the fruit trees to bring a good harvest. After the meal, keep the crumbs, don’t bin them right away. Instead, throw them in the garden, or at least leave them on your balcony. Bread crumbs were believed to make the soil fertile and bring wealth and success to the family. In some regions in Hungary, they would feed them to the chickens to lay more eggs. 

Catkin for love and child-bearing

Catkin is one of the oldest symbols of Easter. Lore has it, if you place a couple of blossoming catkin branches in a vase and decorate them with red-painted eggs, you will find love or your crush will finally reciprocate your feelings. Eggs also symbolise fertility, therefore, they can help to conceive.