A 31-32 III - Holidays and Celebration III.

• English
• Special Education

Hungary celebrates several national holidays that are significant in the country's history and cultural identity. Here are a few important national holidays:

March 15th - We celebrate this day in commemoration of the 1848 Revolution and War of Independence. In 1848, people protested against Austrian oppression and demanded political freedom. On this national holiday, wreath-laying ceremonies, parades, and cultural events are usually organized.

August 20th - This is the celebration of the foundation of the state, honoring King Saint Stephen, the first king of Hungary. The main event of the holiday is the procession of the "Holy Right," a relic, along the Danube embankment in Budapest, accompanied by fireworks and concerts.

October 23rd - We celebrate this day in remembrance of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence. It marked the start of the Hungarian people's uprising against the communist dictatorship, and although the uprising was suppressed by the Soviet Union, it had a profound impact on subsequent events. Wreath-laying ceremonies and commemorations are also held on this holiday.

November 1st - All Saints' Day, observed by the Catholic Church to honor the deceased. On this day, people visit cemeteries, place wreaths and candles on the graves of the departed.

Halloween

Halloween is a popular holiday celebrated on the 31st of October. It is especially popular in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions but has evolved over time into a fun and festive occasion.

During Halloween, people of all ages engage in various activities. One of the most common traditions is dressing up in costumes. Children often dress as their favorite characters, such as superheroes, princesses, or monsters. They go door-to-door in their neighborhoods, saying "trick or treat" and collecting candies and other treats from their neighbors. This is known as "trick-or-treating."

Another popular Halloween activity is pumpkin carving. People carve scary or funny faces into pumpkins and place candles inside to create jack-o'-lanterns. These are often displayed outside homes to add to the spooky atmosphere. Some families also decorate their homes with fake cobwebs, skeletons, and other eerie decorations.

Halloween parties are also quite common. Friends and family gather to enjoy games, music, and food. Some popular games include bobbing for apples, where participants try to catch apples floating in a basin of water using only their mouths. Another game is called "pin the tail on the black cat," where blindfolded players try to pin a tail on a picture of a cat.

In addition to costumes, decorations, and parties, another Halloween tradition is watching scary movies. Many television channels and movie theaters show horror films during this time of the year. It's a way to get into the spooky spirit and enjoy a good fright.

Overall, Halloween is an exciting holiday filled with fun and festivities. It brings communities together and allows people to express their creativity through costumes and decorations. Whether you prefer the spooky or the sweet side of Halloween, it's a time for enjoyment and celebration.

February 14th each year. It is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to romantic partners, family members, and friends. The origins of Valentine's Day are believed to be rooted in both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.

The exact origin of Valentine's Day is somewhat uncertain, as there are several historical accounts and legends associated with its beginnings. One popular belief is that the holiday commemorates the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a Christian saint who lived in Rome during the 3rd century.

Mother's Day is a special holiday celebrated to honor and show appreciation for mothers and mother figures. 

It is typically observed on the second Sunday of May in many countries around the world. The origins of Mother's Day can be traced back to ancient times and have evolved over the centuries.

The modern concept of Mother's Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It was inspired by the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who wanted to find a way to honor her own mother and recognize the sacrifices mothers make for their children. Anna Jarvis campaigned for the establishment of an official holiday to celebrate mothers.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day as a national holiday in the United States. From there, the idea spread to other countries, and today it is celebrated in various forms and on different dates worldwide.

Discuss the following:

1. What are the red letter days in your family?
   
2. What is the greatest family celebration for you?
3. How do you celebrate your birthday?
   
4. How is the birth of a baby celebrated in Hungary?
5. What is a Hungarian wedding like?
   
6. What sorts of presents does the new couple get?
7. What parties are organised for the couple before the wedding?
8. What do we celebrate at Christmas?
9. How do the Hungarians celebrate Christmas?

Discuss the following:

1. How do we celebrate Easter? 
2. What is Valentine's Day? 
3. How is Halloween celebrated?
4. How do we spend 1st of May in Hungary? 
5. How do we celebrate the 20th of August?
6. What do we celebrate on 23, October?
7. What do average people do at New Years Eve? And you?
8. What do you know about 15th of March?

Szavak:

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