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Home , Epithet, Greek name, Hebrew name, Ice Saints, Juliana of Nicomedia, Medardus

Katalin’s 25 November

The Hungarian Katalin comes from the original „Ekaterini”, which has no clear meaning, although some say it comes from the Greek name „Khatrosz”, which means „archer” or „marksman” (perfect aimer). In Hungarian, it is very probable that the name Katalin has a close relationship to the name Katherina, which comes from the Latin „Catherina”. The name Katalin is one of the most popular in our country. It is an original Egyptian-Greek-German-Hungarian name, which means: crown, always pure.

On 25 November 1642, Pope Orban VII decreed a holiday on this day in honor of the virgin and Catherine. According to tradition, St. Catherine was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded by Caesar Maximinus because she had followed the Christian religion. One legend says that angels took her body to Arabia’s mountains. She was an honored and famous saint of the , appearing in many of the fine arts. Several churches in our country chose her as their “guardian saint”.

Folklore:

After Katalin’s Day, neither wedding feasts nor dances were usually held as this day is immediately before the beginning of Advent.

Weather prediction is connected to this day. It was commonly believed that if there was frost on Katalin’s Day, then there would be mud at .

On Katalin’s Day girls put a branch into water to bud by Christmas to prophesy their future love.

Sayings:

“Even Little Kate knows that.” It means everybody knows that, it is a simple thing.

“Stands like a child in Kate.” It means something stands firmly.

“It is easy to take Kate to dance.” It means it is easy to persuade her.

“Lazy Kate is slothful mother’s daughter.” It means if the daughter is lazy her mother is also lazy.

“What’s the matter with Kate?” It means: What’s the problem?

György’s Day 24 April

The Greek name Georginus was transformed into Hungarian, György. Its meaning is tiller, farmer.

Dragon Killing Saint George was the patron of the knights and gunsmiths. George came from Persia, and was captured by the Roman emperor, . He didn’t endorse the emperor’s Christian persecutor policy, therefore he was put into prison and in 304 he was killed. He died as a martyr which is honored in the oriental and the western churches since the Middle Ages. In the fully-developed Western version, a dragon makes its nest at the spring that provides water for the city of "Silene" (perhaps modern Cyrene) in Libya or the city of Lyddia, depending on the source. Consequently, the citizens have to dislodge the dragon from its nest for a time, in to collect water. To do so, each day they offer the dragon first a sheep, and if no sheep can be found, then a maiden must go instead of the sheep. The victim is chosen by drawing lots. One day, this happens to be the princess. The monarch begs for her life to be spared, but to no avail. She is offered to the dragon, but there appears Saint George on his travels. He faces the dragon, protects himself with the sign of the cross, slays it and rescues the princess. The grateful citizens abandon their ancestral and convert to .

Folklore:

Common habits in popular belief: On Saint George’s Day the shepherds drove the animals to the pasture for the first time every year. This was girded with some tricks to avert malign effects and influences. For example, the animals were driven out with birch branch; shepherds put garlic around the animals’ necks; the house and the stable were fumigated. To Saint George’s month the old calendars recommend several medical advices, such as diet, sauna, fresh air and cupping.

Saying:

“There is Saint George’s Day at their home.” It means they are moving.

“After George’s Day you can’t hit grass back even with hammer.” It means plants are growing faster after 24 April.

Pongrác’s, Szervác’s, Bonifác’s and Orbán’s Days 12, 13, 14, 25 May

Szervác has Latin origin, it means freed, liberated. Pongrác also has Latin origin; it means all strength, power. Bonifác originates from Latin it means person of good fate; benefactor. Orbán derives from Latin Urbanus, meaning citizen. Its other meaning is intelligent.

The Ice is the name given to St. Mamertus, St. Pancras, and St. Servatus in Hungarian folklore. They are named so because their feast days fall on the days of 12, 13 and 14 May and this period was noted to bring a brief spell of colder weather in the Northern Hemisphere under the .

Folklore:

Pongrác, Szervác and Bonifác they are the Ice Saints of the gardens, as they can bring back dawn frosts on the up warming spring days which is not appropriate for any single vernal plant. Pongrác is coming in a fur coat, Szervác is still freezing and Bonifác is burring. There is no connection between the legend of the saints and the weather observations but folklore made up a story. In Topolya it is known that: Pongrác got frozen in his fur coat in hot weather, Szervác drowned into the dry River , Bonifác was bit to death by mosquitoes – that’s why they are angry at us and that’s why they come back from year to year in order to annoy us. In Berettyóújfalu people believe when Szervác, Pongrác, Bonifác are angry, they bring frost. In Nagydobrony people think if the cold is big at the time of Ice Saints, then bad crop is expected. In Zagyvarékas it is thought, when there is no cloud in the sky, there will be a lot of wine.

Orbán is considered to be the fourth Ice Saint. The cold on Orbán’s Day harms the grapes the mostly. Because of this in many places sculptures were raised. The wine-producer villages expected the protection of the vineyards and the assurance of the abundant vintage from him.

Saying:

“The three “áces” bring lots of wine if you can’t see any clouds these days.” It means vintage will be excellent.

“He put on Orbán’s mitre.” It means he is drunk. Péter and Pál’s Day 29 June

The origin of the name Peter is Hebrew - it means rock. The name Paul origins from Latin, it means short man.

Saint Peter and Paul are the principle pillars of the Church founded by Christ. Saint Peter was chosen by Christ to be his first Vicar on Earth; he was endowed with powers of the keys of the kingdom of heaven and charged with the role of Shepherd of Christ's flock. In St. Peter and his successors, we have a visible sign of unity and communion in faith and charity. Divine grace led St. Peter to profess Christ's divinity. St. Peter suffered martyrdom under Nero, in about the year 64 AD. He was buried at the hill of the Vatican; recent excavations have revealed his tomb on the very site of St. Peter's Basilica.

Saint Paul was chosen to form part of the apostolic college by Christ himself on the road to Damascus. Selected to bring Christ's name to all peoples, he is the greatest missionary of all time, the advocate of pagans, the Apostle of the . St. Paul was beheaded in the Tre Fontane along the Via Ostiense and buried nearby, on the site where the basilica bearing his name now stands.

Folklore:

The Hungarian tradition believes that the stem of the wheat breaks on Peter and Paul’s Day. During the mass the harvesters participate in, the priest blesses them and their working tools. Then in their best clothes they harvest some wheat and the following day, 29 June, they start work. The folk custom believes who first hears chimes this day will married by the end of the year.

Sayings:

“He was left behind like the Wallachians by Saint Paul.” It means he was left in trouble.

“Saint Peter is rolling the barrels.” It is a funny expression for thundering.

“He is as old as Saint Peter’s donkey.” It means he is very old.

“Saint Peter has lost his pipe.” It is said when there is a strong wind.

“Paul knows what he is reaping.” It means he knows what to do. Balázs’s Day 3 February

It comes from the Roman name Blasius which meant "lisping" from Latin Blaesus.

St. Blaise, who had studied philosophy in his youth, was a doctor in Sebaste in Armenia, the city of his birth, who exercised his art with miraculous ability, good-will, and piety. When the bishop of the city died, he was chosen to succeed him, with the acclamation of all the people. His holiness was manifested through many miracles: from all around, people came to him to find cures for their spirit and their body; even wild animals came in herds to receive his blessing. In 316, Agricola, the governor of Cappadocia and of Lessek Armenia, having arrived in Sebastea at the order of the emperor Licinius to kill the , arrested the bishop. As he was being led to prison, a mother set her only son, choking to death of a fish-bone, at his feet, and the child was cured straight away. Regardless, the governor, unable to make Blaise renounce his faith, beat him with a stick, ripped his flesh with iron combs, and beheaded him.

Crossed candles (left unlighted for safety reasons) are used for the blessing of throats on the feast day of St. Blaise, which falls on 3 February, the day after Candlemas according to the Catholic . Blaise is traditionally believed to intercede in cases of throat illnesses, especially for fish-bones stuck in the throat. The blessing is: "May God at the intercession of Saint Blaise preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil.”

Folklore:

In on the feast day of St. Blaise schoolboys knocked into the neighborhood to take up gifts (grease, bacon, bean, and eggs) which later were handed over to their poor teacher.

Hungarian wine-growers pruned a vine-stock in each corner of their land thinking St. Blaise would save their grapevines and would drive away birds.

Saying:

“Come on, Blaise, a horse will be given by the God!” It means: set on bravely and God will help you!

Gergely’s Day 12 March

Gregory is a common masculine first name and name. It derives from the Greek name Gregoros meaning "watchful, alert".

Pope Gregory the Great was founder of schools and the creator of the Gregorian-singing. He is also known as Gregory the Dialogist in Eastern Orthodoxy because of his Dialogues. For this reason, English of Orthodox texts will sometimes list him as "Gregory Dialogus". He was the first of the popes to come from a monastic background. Gregory is a Doctor of the Church and one of the six Latin Fathers. He is considered a saint in the Roman . Immediately after his death, Gregory was canonized by popular acclaim.

Folklore :

The Gregory walking in Hungary was ordered in honor of him. It was not only collecting donations but also recruiting students to school. The costumes were often based on the ideas of teachers. The singing was connecting with the introduction of the participants in a funny way and with saying best wishes. On Gregory’s Day school children walked in the town or village and they knocked at every door. They were well dressed and they carried drums and flags. The purpose of this tradition was to make children, who didn’t go to school, attend school. The groups of three and four children had a spokesman who went ahead and wished a ‘Lucky Good Day’ and asked ‘May I greet Saint Gregory’s Day?’ After the host agreed they all went in the house and sang standing around the table. After that the host offered seats to them. The children were given eggs, money and bacon but they could keep only the money and the teacher kept the eggs and others.

Saying:

“Gregory will shake his beard.” It means that it may snow today.

“Angry like the weather’s on Gregory’s Day.” It means he is very angry.

Medard’s Day 8 June

Medárd derives from Germanic . The original form is Mathahard, which means huge and strong.

Saint Medardus or St Medard (c. 457 - c. 545) was the Bishop of Vermandois. He was one of the most honored bishops of his time. His memory has always been popularly venerated, first in the north of , then in and extending to western , and he became the hero of numerous legends. His cult is mentioned by both Saint and Saint . His feast day is celebrated on 8 June. It is believed that whatever the weather on his feast day, it will continue for the forty days following, unless the weather changes on the feast of St (11 June).

He was often depicted laughing, with his mouth wide open, therefore he was invoked against toothache. He is also invoked against bad weather (but also for rain), sterility and imprisonment. He is the of vineyards, brewers, captives and prisoners, the mentally ill, and peasants.

As a child, St Medardus was said to have once been sheltered from rain by an eagle which hovered over him. This is how he was most commonly depicted, and is why he is associated with weather, good or bad, and why he is held to protect those who work in the open air.

Folklore:

According to popular belief someone drowned into water as a sacrifice for the king of waters this day so bathing was prohibited but horses must be given water so that they wouldn’t be scabby. In Topolya people believed if there is sunshine that day wine will be sweet, but if it rains wine will be sour.

Saying:

“If it rains on Medard’s Day, it will rain for forty days.”

“The Flood may come after me! “ It means the devil take the hindmost!

“It is from before the Flood” It means out of the Ark.

“Man brought by flood.” It means he came from an unknown place. Ádám and Éva’s Day 24 December

Adam was, according to the Book of Genesis, the first man created by God and noted in subsequent Jewish, Christian and Islamic commentary. His wife was . Adam in Hebrew is sometimes used as the of an individual and at other times in a generic sense meaning "mankind".

Eve was, according to the Book of Genesis, the first woman created by God, and an important figure in , Christianity, and Islam. According to the Bible, Eve is Adam's wife. Her name derives from the words chavah, meaning "to breathe" and chayah, meaning "to live".

Adam Clark (1811-1869) was a Scottish engineer. He came to to build a dredger and here he got to know Széchenyi István. He asked Clark to build a bridge over the . He was the leader of Chain Bridge project and the designer of the tunnel under Buda castle.

Ruttkai Éva (1927-1986) was a very famous Hungarian actress. She acted in several plays and films. She began her carrier very young at the age of 3. She debuted in 1945 in the Song of the Swan in the Comedy Theatre. Between 1948 and 1951 she played at the National Theatre. During her 40-year carrier she was one of the most colorful and multitalented Hungarian actress. She acted in classic and modern, Hungarian and foreign tragedies and comedies and provided a distinguished performance in all genre.

Folklore:

24 December is a family feast. Since this day people could eat or drink whatever they wanted. This day they usually stayed at home. They didn’t even empty the rubbish it was thought they would take out fortune with it. Working and lending or borrowing money was prohibited this day.

Eden-play: This short play tells us the story of the Fall. Playing the story of the Garden of Eden was the popular starting scene of the mystery plays showed in churches.

Saying:

Even Eve was a fiancée that time. Both mean, something happened a very Aforetime when Adam was a bachelor. long time ago.

Dömötör’s Day 26 October

The Hungarian name Dömötör comes from , which is originally a Greek name, it means: offered to the goddess of the Earth.

Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki was a Christian martyr who is said to have lived in Thessaloniki in the early 4th century. During the Middle Ages, he came to be revered as one of the most important Orthodox military saints, often paired with Saint George. His feast day is 26 October.

Folklore:

Dömötör was the shepherds’ protector in Eastern Hungary.

Dömötör’s Day is called the shepherds’ New Year, because this day the farmers paid the shepherds and took a break before continuing their work. They held a celebration which took for many days. The shepherds cooked lamb-stew and the shepherds’ wives made strudel. This event was called shepherds’ ball as well as “dömötörözés”. People also thought if Dömötör’s Day brings cold wind; long and cold winter is predicted.

In Orosháza, in kindergartens children often celebrate this day.

Saying:

“For him every day is Dömötör Day”, in other words his future is uncertain or can also mean “he is drunk”.

“Dömötör makes the shepherds dance” which means the weather is unpleasant for being outside. Borbála’s Day 4 December

Borbála is originated from Greek Barbara which means strange and barbarian.

Famous one is Barbara of Celje, in Hungarian Cillei Borbála. She and her cousin and adopted sister Anna married to ruling kings whose recently deceased wives were sisters and relatives of the Celje family. Anna married Wladyslaw, King of and Lithuania in 1402 after the death of Jadwiga of Poland, while Barbara married to Sigismund, in 1408 after the death of Mary of Hungary. This marriage was to strengthen Sigismund's grip on the Hungarian throne, as through her father Barbara could trace her descent not only to the Slovenian rulers of Celje and the Kotromanic of Bosnia to the Nemanjic kings of Serbia but to King V of Hungary.

Barbara gave birth to a daughter, Elisabeth, Sigismund's only surviving issue and heiress, who married Albrecht of Habsburg, Archduke of . Barbara lived to see her three grandchildren, Anna, Elisabeth and Ladislas. She is one of the ancestresses of modern European royal , her blood flows in the veins of most of today's dynasties.

Folklore:

The beliefs of the Borbála’s Day and its customs are similar to those of Luca’s Day. On Borbála’s Day it was not allowed to weave or saw. A fruit branch was put into water and if it bloomed until Christmas Day marriage was prophesied for the girl. In another place if it sprouted until Christmas good crop was prophesied for next year.

Sayings:

“He is early like Bori with the angel of the Lord.” It means he finished his work too early.

“It fulfilled backwards like Bori’s dream.” It means something happened in another way as it had been expected. Márton’s Day 11 November

Martin is a common in most European . It derives from the Latin name Martinus, which is a form of Mart-, the stem of the word for "war” and also the Roman god . The meaning is usually rendered "of war", "warlike", or in reference to the god as "of Mars".

The unfortunate victim of Constans' wrath was the virtuous Martin. Born in Todi of noble birth, he had served as nuncio to Constantinople under Pope Theodore, gaining experience in dealing with the Byzantine court and familiarizing himself with the Monothelite teachings so prevalent in the East. Without waiting for the necessary imperial mandate, Martin proceeded with his consecration on 5 July, 649. This independent act so enraged the emperor that he refused to acknowledge Martin as the legitimate pope. Folklore:

The shepherds gave a birch as a gift on Márton’s Day to the hosts. It was considered that their pig would have as many piglets as many prigs were there on the birch. Farmers in B ős put this on the top of the pound in order to keep off pest. The animals were driven out with this birch in spring. Feasts were organized everywhere in the country on Márton’s Day so that they wouldn’t starve or thirst next year. It was considered as much they drank as much strength they got.

Saying:

“Those who don’t eat goose on Márton’s Day would starve all year.”

“Márton is coming on white horse.” It means there will be mild winter.

“If the goose walks on ice on Márton’s Day it will walk in puddle on Christmas Day.” If there is frost on Márton’s Day, Christmas Day will be mild.

“Saint Martin is the judge of wine.” It means new wine can be drunk from this day.

“Fat like Saint Martin’s goose.” It means he is very fat.

Many of Saint Martin’s geese have been sold since then.” It means it happened a log time ago.

Luca’s Day 13 December

The name Luca derives from Latin Lucia meaning born at dawn.

Saint , also known as Saint Lucia (283 – 304) was a wealthy young Christian martyr. Her name derives from lux, lucis "light". She is the patron saint of those who are blind. She consecrated her virginity to God, refused to marry a pagan, and had her dowry distributed to the poor. Her would-be husband denounced her as a Christian to the governor of Syracuse, Sicily. Miraculously unable to move her or burn her, the guards stabbed and killed her. In medieval accounts, Saint Lucy's eyes are gouged out prior to her execution. In art, her eyes sometimes appear on a plate that she is holding.

Folklore:

Luca was celebrated as the bringer of light all over . On Luca’s Day people used to light fires to drive away darkness. One of the traditions connected to Luca’s Day is to make “Luca’s Chair” which is made of 9 different types of wood and people work on it for 13 days. It was used on the midnight mass at Christmas. Anyone who stood on it was able to spot witches in the congregation.

“Kotyolás” happened at dawn on Luca’s Day: some young boys were chanting their good wishes for wealth and rich harvest. There was also used a pumpkin similar to the “Jack-o-lantern” in Angle- Saxon countries. Its function was to frighten the residents of a house through the window. Children were often frightened with the “Luca-pig” which was a kind of ghost.

Saying:

“He works as if he made Luca’s chair.” It means he works very slowly.

“It is made as Luca’s chair.” It means it is made very slowly.

“The house looks like as there was Luca feast.” There is a great mess in the room.

András’s Day 30 November

Andrew comes from Greek Andreas meaning manhood and velour.

Andrew II the Jerosolimitan (1177 – 1235), King of Hungary (1205-1235). He was the younger son of King Béla III of Hungary, who invested him with the government of the Principality of Halych. He participated in the Fifth Crusade but he could not achieve any major military success. He was obliged to issue the Golden Bull confirming the privileges of the noblemen of Hungary and later he was also obliged to confirm the special privileges of the clergy. Andrew was crowned by Archbishop John of Kalocsa on 29 May 1205 in Székesfehérvár, but before the , he had to take an oath. Andrew made a radical alteration in the internal policy followed by his predecessors and he began to bestow the royal estates to his partisans. He called this new policy nova institution .

In the beginning of 1222, the discontent serviens (nobles) came to Andrew's court in large numbers, and they persuaded the king to issue the Golden Bull which confirmed their privileges, including the right to disobey the King if he acted not in line with the provisions of the Golden Bull. In 1224, Andrew issued the Diploma Andreanum which unified and ensured the special privileges of the Transylvanian Saxons. It's considered the oldest Autonomy law in the world. In the same year, Andrew expelled the Teutonic Knights from because they had ignored his overlordship.

Folklore:

Andrew’s Day is the most significant marriage augury day. Girls hid men’s wear under their pillow and they fasted all day. The common prophecies mostly happened in the spinner – with lead casting and dumpling cooking. A male name was hidden in each dumpling; the first which came up to the top of the water contained her future husband’s name. They tried to prophesy the future husband’s job from the lead casting.

Saying:

“Snow on Andrew’s Day is not appropriate for bed-planting.” It means that snow in November is harmful to the seeds. Róbert’s Day 7 June

The name derives from Germanic roots hrod and beraht or berht meaning "fame" (also possible variation for the word flame) and "bright". It also means 'bright with glory'.

Charles Robert was the king of Hungary and (1308-1342). He was a matrilineal descendant of the Árpád dynasty and his claim to the was debated by several pretenders. Nevertheless, although he was only a child when his grandfather, King II of sent him to Hungary in 1300, Charles could strengthen his rule in the kingdom against his opponents and the powerful magnates following a long series of internal struggles. Charles also carried out numerous important political and economical reforms. He established the so called honor system which made the powerful barons dependent of his favor and he introduced new coins with a constantly high purity of gold. Charles's foreign policy largely stemmed from dynastic alliances. His most successful achievement was the mutual defense union with Poland and Bohemia against the Habsburgs. He was one of the most successful rulers of the Kingdom of Hungary.

This picture shows coats of arms of , king of Hungary. Julianna’s Day 16 February

The name Julianna is the female pair of the male Latin Julianus, which means belonging to Julius’s kin, shining, denoted to .

Saint Juliana of Nicomedia is said to have suffered Christian martyrdom during the Diocletian persecution in 304. She was popular in the Middle Ages, especially in the , as the patron saint of childbirth and sickness. She was betrothed to the Senator Eleusius. Her father Africanus was a pagan and hostile to the Christians. In the persecution of , Juliana was beheaded after suffering frightful tortures. Soon after a noble lady, named Sephonia, came through Nicomedia and took the saint's body with her to , and had it buried in . At the beginning of the 13th century her remains were transferred to Naples. The feast of this saint is celebrated in the Latin Church on 16 February, in the Greek on 21 December. Since her Acts describe the conflicts which she is said to have with the devil, she is represented in pictures with a winged devil whom she leads by a chain. She is also shown enduring various tortures or fighting a dragon.

Folklore:

From Julia’s Day the weather should be warmer. If it is snowing that day, ”Julias are making fun", or they are shaking their eiderdown.

Saying:

“If Dorothy pinches it, Julianna loses it”. It means if it is freezing on Dorothy’s Day it will get warmer from Juliana’s Day. Miklós’s Day 6 December

The male given name derives from Greek Nikólaos, a combination of the words for "victory" (ník ē) and "people" (laós). The name can be understood as people’s victory although some say it means "people’s power".

Saint Nicholas (270 - 6 December 346) is the common name for Nicholas of Myra, a saint and Bishop of Myra (in Lycia, part of modern-day Turkey). Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as is common for early Christian saints. In 1087 his were furtively translated to Bari, in southern Italy; for this reason he is also known as Nicholas of Bari.

Folklore:

The tradition of , usually on 6 December, is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. In Hungary children put their boots in the window on the night of 5 December and St. Nicholas fills the boots with gifts and sweets and at the same time he checks if the children were good, polite and helpful in that year. If they were not, they would have a birch called virgács in their boots instead.

In our school one of the teachers puts on the red coat and gives little presents to the children every year.

Saying:

“He looks like a summer Santa Claus.” It means he is dressed extravagantly or funny. Zsuzsanna’s Day 19 February

Susan is a female given name, a form of Susanna, deriving originally from Middle Egyptian. The meaning of the name is lotus flower. From the 17 th century until the 1980s it was the most frequent female name. Derivative names: Zsuzsa, Zsuzsánna, Zsuzska. Saint Susanna, virgin and martyr, is said to have been the daughter of Saint Gabinus of Rome. According to her Acts, she was beheaded about the year 295 in her father's house, which was turned into a church. The church became known as Sancta Susanna ad duas domos. The authenticity of the Acts of Saint Susanna has been rightly questioned however the martyrdoms and the day of death are established by the witness of the oldest Martyrology and the earliest places of worship.

Folklore:

This time grass starts greening and the larks begin to sing which means that spring is coming but if they fly low the winter lasts long. If the eaves were dripping it was a good sign to have good crop in Topolya. According to old people grapes must be pruned this time in order that the bud would not freeze off. Farmers and landlords thought manure can be carried out onto the lands from this time; the preparations on the farms can begin. A dramatic play was popular with Upland miners. It was called Zsuzsanna’s play. In the 1870s children walked from house to house to perform this play. In the story a wife is falsely accused by lecherous voyeurs. She bathed in her garden and two lusty elders secretly observed her. They accosted her, threatening to claim that she was meeting a young man unless she agreed to make love to them. She refused to be blackmailed, and was arrested. But a young man named interrupted the proceedings. He separated the two men, they were questioned about details of what they had seen, but disagreed about the tree under which Susanna supposedly met her lover. The first said they were under mastic but the second said they were under an oak tree. The great difference in size between mastic tree and an oak tree made the elders' lie plain to all the observers. The false accusers were put to death

and virtue triumphs.

Saying:

“Zsuzsanna's Day takes the snow away.” It means weather is getting warmer from this day. István’s Day 26 December

Stephen or Steven is a masculine first name, derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning "crown, garland". Its use was first recorded in 's Iliad.

Saint Stephen I was Grand Prince of the Hungarians (997–1001) and the first King of Hungary (1001–1038). He greatly expanded Hungarian control over the Carpathian Basin during his lifetime, broadly established Christianity in the region, and he is generally considered to be the founder of the Kingdom of Hungary.

The baptized name was supposedly chosen on purpose, as the name Stephanos derives from Greek; it means both "crown" in Latin, and "norm, standard" in Hebrew, according to Legend Aurea by Jacobus Voragine. So the mission of St. Stephen was to grant a norm to Hungary through the Holy Crown. After his coronation Stephen I founded several dioceses, for example the dioceses of Veszprém, Gy őr, Vác and Bihar. He also established the Archdiocese of . Stephen discouraged pagan customs and strengthened Christianity with various laws. He ordered that each ten villages would be obliged to build a church. He invited foreign priests to Hungary to evangelize his kingdom. King Stephen died in 1038 at Székesfehérvár, where he was buried. Shortly after Stephen's death, healing miracles were said to have occurred at his tomb. Stephen was canonized by Pope Gregory VII as Saint Stephen of Hungary in 1083. 20 August, the day on which his sacred relics were taken to the city of Buda is a public holiday in Hungary.

The king's right hand, known as "The Holy Right" is kept as a . His body was mummified after his death, but the tomb was opened and his hand was separated some years later. Except for this, only some bone fragments remained (which are kept in churches throughout Hungary). Hungarian Catholics honor the first king of their country on annual , where the "Holy Right" is exhibited.

Folklore:

If Stephen’s Day is on Sunday; good winter, windy summer, neither warm, nor cold spring is expected, the crop will be abundant.

Saying:

“Well done Steve, even when John says.” It means it’s a fib I do not believe you.

“I would be Steve if…” It is used for tricky emphasize.

Zsófia’s Day 24 May

Sophie is the French form of Sophia (in Hungarian: Zsófia), in English speaking countries, Sophie has often been regarded as a diminutive of "Sophia", but it has also frequently been given as a name in its own right. Like Sophia, it originates from Greek, meaning wisdom.

Sophie Friederíke Dorothee Wilhelmine, Princess of Bavaria (1805 - 1872) was the identical twin sister of Princess Maria Anna of Bavaria, Queen of Saxony as wife of Frederick Augustus II of Saxony. On 4 November 1824, she married Franz Karl, Archduke of Austria. They had six children. Her ambitions to place her oldest son on the Austrian throne were a constant theme in Austrian politics. That time she was called "the only man at court". During the Revolution of 1848 she persuaded her somewhat feeble- minded husband to give up his rights to the throne in favor of Franz . After his accession to the throne, Sophie became the power behind the

throne. She is also remembered for her bad relationship with her niece, Elisabeth of Bavaria alias "Sissi". Several media work describes Sophie practically as an evil, ruthless villainess set out almost exclusively to ruin Elisabeth's life in any possible way. Sophie kept a detailed diary most of her life which reveals much about Austrian court life. She withdrew from public life after her son’s execution which she never recovered from. She died in 1872.

Folklore:

According to people’s belief by River Ipoly Zsófia following the ice saints can also bring frost. In Ipolybalog it is wellknown:

Pongrác, Szervác, Bonifác, Zsófia can be mourning.

Saying:

“Zsófia eats the bean.” It means if the weather is cold, bean will get frozen.

Szilveszter’s Day 31 December

In some countries Sylvester (or Sylvester) is the name used to refer to December 31st (New Year's Eve). As a name, it means "wooded", from the root Sylvania meaning "forest land" in Latin.

Pope Sylvester II, (946 – 1003), born Gerbert d'Aurillac, was a prolific scholar, teacher and pope. He introduced knowledge of arithmetic, mathematics and astronomy to Europe, reintroducing the abacus and armillary sphere which had been lost in Europe since the end of the Greco-Roman era. He was the first French Pope, reigning from 999 until his death. Due to his connection with science and intellectualism of the Arab world, there were many rumors and legends in Europe of Sylvester II being a sorcerer in league with the devil.

According to Hungarian tradition Pope Sylvester II sent a magnificent jeweled gold crown to Stephen (the first Hungarian king) along with an apostolic cross and a letter of blessing officially recognizing Stephen I as the Christian king of Hungary. Later this tradition was interpreted as the papal recognition of the independence of Hungary from the Holy .

Folklore:

On New Year’s Eve girls cooked dumpling and casted lead to know their future husbands’ name and job. Chasing devils with making noise this evening was a very common habit in Transylvania. Chanting was also common.

Sylvester’s Day was considered to be suitable to prophesy death. Those who went home from mass and fall over died in a short time.

New Year's Eve weather prophecy happened that day: North wind meant cold winter, South one meant mild winter in Topolya.

Mihály’s Day 29 September

The name has Hebrew origin. Its meaning: similar to God.

Mihály Babits (1883 - 1941) was a Hungarian poet, writer and translator. He is most well-known for lyric poetry influenced by Classical and English forms. His reputation for his poems in the literary life started in 1908. He made a trip in Italy in the same year, which made him interested in Dante; he made several other trips in the subsequent years. This experience led him to translate Dante's The Divine Comedy. He also wrote essays and did many translations from several languages. He became the chief editor of Nyugat and held this respectable position until his death.

Folklore:

A small carnival began this day, which lasted till Catherine’s Day. At the same time this day was the beginning of the new business year. 29 September is Saint ’s Day. This date was considered as the turning day of the crop year. The herds reckoned with the animals – sheep, horses, cows and pigs – which had been committed on their care. This day the herds hired themselves out for the following year. There are some prophecies for example if the swallow is still here on Michael’s Day the autumn will be long. Another one is if the wind blows from east, the winter will be very cold.

Sayings:

“He drank from an inkpot like Uncle Michael.” It means he thought he got a tasty drink but he disappointed in it.

“He was taken by Saint Michael’s horse.” It means he died and was taken to the cemetery.

“You shouldn’t ask for advice from those who dress in shorts after Michael’s Day.” It means that person who wears summer clothes after that day can’t be intelligent.

“It is no matter from where the wind blows after Saint Michael’s Day it is cold.” It means in the late autumn only cold wind blows. Vince’s Day 22 January

Vincent is a masculine given name. It derives from the Latin name Vincentius meaning "conquering" (from Latin "vincere" - "to conquer").

Saint Vincent of Saragossa, also known as Vincent of Huesca or Vincent the Deacon, is the patron saint of Lisbon. His feast day is 22 January in the Roman Catholic Church, and 11 November in the Eastern Orthodox Churches. He was born at Huesca and martyred under the Emperor Diocletian around the year 304. His suffering did not end in his life. His funeral was rejected by the emperor and his body was put out onto the field. God sent a big raven to protect the body. Later it was put into a sack with stones and thrown into the sea but he was washed ashore. This continued until a Christian noticed it and buried it decently. His bones are in Valencia.

Folklore:

Vincent is the patron of vintners and vinegar-makers. The grape-growers were watching the weather on Vince’s Day. In case of beautiful, sunny weather a good vintage was prophesied, in opposite case a bad one.

In villages of Drávaszög a so called Vince-birch was cut and was put into water in a warm room. From the sprouted birch they prophesied for the next year’s crop. According to some farmers a lot of wine has to be drunk this day so that the vintage will be abundant.

In Topolya they prophesied for the expected corn crop from the weather on Vince’s Day: the cobs will be as long as the hanging icicles are on the eaves.

Saying:

“If Vince is rainy the cellar will be full of good wine.”

“If it is foggy, the cellar will be empty. “

János’s Day 27 December

The name John derives via Latin and Greek, from the Yochanan meaning " is gracious".

János Arany (2 March 1817 - 22 October 1882) was a Hungarian journalist, writer, poet, and translator. He is often said to be the "Shakespeare of ballads" – he wrote more than 40 ballads which have been translated into over 50 languages, as well as the Toldi trilogy.

He translated three dramas of Shakespeare into Hungarian, A Night's Dream, Hamlet and King John, and they are considered to be some of the greatest translations into Hungarian in history. One of the most famous works is Toldi which he wrote for a competition. It brought him fame and respect. The Bards of Wales is a ballad written in 1857. Arany was asked to write a poem of praise for the visit of Franz Joseph I of Austria. Instead he wrote a poem about the tale of the 500 Welsh bards sent to the stake by Edward I of in 1277, as a metaphor to criticize the tyrannical Habsburg rule over Hungary after the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The poem is considered to be a manifesto of the passive resistance which led to the Austro- Hungarian Compromise of 1867.

Folklore:

This day wine was blessed and this wine was considered to have magic power to heal ill people and animals. This day miming people went from house to house to wish fortune to the husbandmen.

Sayings:

“He is like blind John.” It means he is very unhappy and unlucky.

“He says ice on St John’s Day.” It means no one can believe in his words, because he draws the long bow.

“Let’s drink St John’s bless.” It means: drink a parting cup.

“The way John blows, little Johnny dances.” Young people should behave as the adults guide. Iván’s Day 24 June

Iván is a masculine name derived directly from Slav Ivan, but coincides with the short form of Jovános, a previous shape of János.

Ivan IV known in English as Ivan the Terrible (inspiring fear) (1530 – 1584) was Grand Prince of Moscow from 1533. The "Grozny" is associated with might, power and strictness, rather than poor performance, horror or cruelty. Some authors more accurately translate it into modern English as Ivan the Awesome.

Folklore:

June 24 is the Midsummer Day. In Hungary like in many parts of Europe there are a lot of ancient rituals in connection with this day. The basis of jumping over the Midsummer Night fire is the belief in the cleansing power of fire. Usually the young girls were the ones who lit the fires in the form of a square using twigs, dry straw, reeds and brushwood. This included a special fire-lighting ceremony. They put the previous year’s corn dolly into position and then a young girl (virgin) walked around it three times and sanctified it with water. Sometimes boys lit the fires, first going through the village in carts or wagons on St. Ivan’s Eve yelling:

„Brushwood, brushwood, give us brushwood! If you don’t give us brushwood, We’ll do you no good!”

The fire is thought to defend from the hail, fog, to encourage the good harvest and let the evil ghosts, dragons be chased away. The girls jumped over the fire from this they would prophesy their marriage. This habit has been already known from the 16th century. A lot of belief is connected to this event. In some of the places children brought blight and put it in the cabbage plantation in order that the caterpillars would not eat them or between plantations in order that the corn would not mildew. Curing strength was ascribed to the fruit thrown into the fire on the occasion of the fire jump. There was a habit to make a wreath from wild flowers and grasses and to hang this on the front of the houses against conflagration.

Saying:

“It is as long as Saint Ivan’s song.” It means something is very long. Sándor’s, József’s and Benedek’s Days 18, 19, 21 March

Sándor is taken from the Greek Alexandros. Etymologically, the name is a compound of the Greek verb alexein "to defend" and the noun andros, genitive of “man". Thus it may be roughly translated as "Savior of mankind".

Sándor Pet őfi (1823 – 1849) was a national poet of Hungary and a key figure in the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49. Among the various leaders of the revolution - called "Youths of March" - Pet őfi was the main character in starting the revolution in Pest, co-author and, respectively, author of the two most important written documents: the “12 Pont” (demands to the Habsburg Governor- General) and “Nemzeti Dal”.

Folklore:

Sándor’s Day is considered to be the day of sowing barley and oat so that the crops will be abundant.

Saying:

“He deals with it as with the chips.” It means he flouts. “He doesn’t even pick up it as Alexander the piece of hat.” It means he passes unmarked.

Joseph is a name originating from Hebrew. It can be translated as signifying "The Lord will increase or add".

Saint Joseph is known from the as the husband of Mary. In Roman Catholic and other traditions, Joseph is the patron saint of workers and has several feast days. He was also declared to be the patron saint and protector of the universal Catholic Church.

Folklore:

Joseph’s Day is connected to some celebrations. In some areas it was thought to be the first day of spring. According to the tradition the birds started to sing because Saint Joseph gave them whistles. The swallows arrived this day and children started walking on barefoot. Beekeepers let out the hives and candles - symbol - were made of wax not from tallow.

Saying:

“After Joseph’s Day you won’t be able to hit back the grass with a hammer.” It means after 19th March grass is growing faster because spring is here.

Benedek derives from Latin Benedictus meaning blessed.

Saint Benedict of Nursia (480 - 547) was a saint from Italy, the founder of Western Christian monastic communities, and a rule-giver for cenobitic monks. His purpose may be gleaned from his Rule, namely that "Christ ... may bring us all together to life eternal." St Benedict was canonized by Pope Honorius III in the year 1220.

Benedict founded twelve communities for monks; the best known is his first monastery, at Monte Cassino in the mountains of Southern Italy.

Folklore:

On 21 March fat and garlic was consecrated, which was thought to have health- giving quality. In Bukovina people think if there is thunder, summer will be dry. In Topolya people believe if the sun shines these days, summer will be long and hot. In case of cloudy weather fall will be wet. The official beginning of spring is on Benedek’s Day 21 March. This day the length of daytime and night hours is equal. It is called vernal equinox.

Saying:

There is a well known Hungarian weather saying: “Sándor, József, Benedek, bring the warm in sack.”

After the long winter Saint Peter sent warmth onto the Earth in a sack with Sándor. Sándor went, ambled along, but got very tired under the weight of warmth. He vainly dried his forehead, loosened his dresses but he remained thirsty and tired. He looked round he noticed a pub next to the Milky Way. To have a little rest he put down his sack and began to have some drink. In the meantime his eyelids weighted with sleep and he fell asleep. Saint Peter had enough of the people’s prayer after warmth and sent József to look for Sándor. After searching and searching, he finally found Sándor in the tap. After a glass of wine he forgot why he had been sent, too. “Go my son, Benedek and look after where these two rogues can be on the loose.” – Old Peter sent away the third one. But the same happened to Benedek, like to the others because good wine was admeasured in that tap next to the Milky Way. Saint Peter was waiting when the warmth would reach the Earth. He looked down from Heaven but saw the three pious wanderers nowhere. He became very angry and sent Mátyás to the Earth but this time he gave him a lash. Mátyás found them very soon in the tap because they were having a very good time and they could be heard from a long distance. Mátyás went into the tap. When the three cheerful pals caught sight of Mátyás with a lash in his hand they left quickly and hurried onto the Earth with the sack of warmth. Suddenly the weather became warm and everything melted. That is why Mátyás is called the ice breaker.

Mátyás’s Day 24 February

Matthias is a name derived from Greek, the same root as Matthew. Its meaning is gift of Jahve. Although its is on 24 February but in it is on 25 February. It is called the jump of Matthew.

On 20 January, 1458, Matthias was elected king by the Diet. This was the first time in the medieval Hungarian kingdom that a member of the nobility, without dynastic ancestry mounted the royal throne. On 24 January 1458, Matthias was elected as king of Hungary on the ice of the frozen Danube. Matthias was educated in Italian, and his fascination with the achievements of the Italian Renaissance led to the promotion of Mediterranean cultural influences in Hungary.

High taxes, mostly falling on peasants, to sustain Matthias'

lavish lifestyle and the Black Army could imply that he was not very popular with his contemporaries. But the fact that he was elected king in a small anti-Habsburg popular revolution, that he kept the barons in check, persistent rumors about him sounding public opinion by mingling among commoners incognito, and harsh period known witnessed by Hungary later ensured that Matthias' reign is considered one of the most glorious chapters of Hungarian history. Songs and tales converted him into Matthias the Just (Mátyás, az igazságos in Hungarian), a ruler of justice and great wisdom, as arguably the most popular hero of Hungarian folklore.

Folklore:

People could prophesy from the weather that day. If it was cold it meant good harvest, if it was windy few eggs were expected. Fishermen thought that fish caught that day indicated lucky fishing all year. This fish was called Matthias’s pike.

Sayings:

“He knows even what king Matthias whispered into his wife’s ears.” It means he acts as if he knew everything and as if he was adept in everything.

“Matthias destroys ice if he finds but if not, he makes.” It means if there is frost on 24 February the weather will get warmer but if the temperature is above zero, cold and snowy weather is expected after Matthias’s Day.

“King Matthias is dead, there is no just.” It means there is nowhere to find truth.