Epiphany

Epiphany, also known as the Three Kings epiphany is celebrated on January 6. In Western Christianity it commemorates the three pagan Magi - according to tradition, their names are: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. The Eastern Christian Churches celebrate Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist this day. Another English name of the holiday (in addition to the Epiphany) "Twelfthday" that is the twelfth day. There is exactly a 12-day difference between the 354-day lunar year and the solar year. This is the beginning of the Carnival.

History Epiphany celebration was first held in the 4th century by the early Christian churches. The Catholic Church dedicates this day to the Three Magi. The Eastern Christian Church celebrates the baptism of Christ. The Eastern Churches sanctify water then.

Traditions In former times, people watered the animals and themselves with holy water to protect them from diseases and curses during the year. In some places the floor of the house was also watered in order to bring a blessing to the house. Carpathian Basin: among Hungarians various folk customs have evolved in connection with the celebration of Epiphany over the centuries

Carnival

Origins Carnival derives from Italy It comes from the old folklore In the beginning it was a pagan custom but later the Christian world accepted it.

Meaning Chasing away the winter Waiting for the Spring After it there is 40-day fasting The period of unrestrained revelries and big feasts

Sunday of Carnival The first day of the last period of the Carnival.This day the Hungarian boys put a little bunch of flowers (which they got from their sweethearts) on their hat.

Shrove Tuesday The last day before fasting when you can eat meat There is a custom which is called ‘maskurázás’ when children dress up in customes and go from house to house and they get some little presents.

Ash Wednesday The first day of the 40-day fasting Early Christians sprinkled ashes on their heads.  now there is a custom that priests draw a cross on the Christian people’s foreheads and say that: „Ember, emlékezz rá, hogy porból vagy és porrá leszel”

Fat Thursday People usually eat the leftover food of the Carnival time They break off the fast "Inkább a has fakaggyon, mintsem az étel megmaraggyon„

Carnival habits Women’s carnival Carnival costumes and masks The funeral of the Carnival Burning up „Kisze”figures (symbolizing winter)

Mohács- Busó district The most famous Hungarian carnival festivities are held in Mohács. People in masks and costumes put a coffin onto the water. Later they burn a figure in the evening. It means saying goobye winter. to winter

Carnival Foods Jelly stuffed Cabbage carnival donuts

Thanks for your attention! Made by Bence Lipkovics and Richárd Váraljai