Hungarian Superstitions & Traditions You’ll Run Into as a Student in Budapest
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.
Living in Budapest as a student is an adventure: new places, new people, and a lot of traditions and superstitions that might not expect. Hungarians have a long history of folklore and while some of their superstitions are just fun quirks, others are taken pretty seriously. Here are a few you will probably encounter while living here:
1. Do not Clink Beer Glasses!
If you’re out for drinks with some new Hungarian friends, do not clink your beer glasses together. Back in 1849, Austrians celebrated the execution of Hungarian revolutionaries by clinking their beer glasses. Hungarians swore not to do it for 150 years and even though this period expired in 1999, a lot of people still stick to it. But wine and pálinka, is a different story! This is completely fine to cheers with (or Egészségére! To impress your Hungarian friends.)
2. Spilled Salt? Throw Some Over Your Shoulder!
Accidentally spilled salt at the dinner table or when you are out eating? Do not panic, just throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder to keep bad luck away. The Hungarians are very superstitious. Where it is a little old-school, but its better safe than sorry, right?
3. Don’t Sit at the Corner of the Table
If you get stuck sitting at the corner of a dinner table, Hungarian superstition says you will stay single for the next seven years. Most younger people laugh it off, but older relatives might still give you a knowing look. If I were you, it would be best to sit at the head of the table and avoid any unnecessary risks!
4. Garlic Isn’t Just for Cooking
Hungarians don’t just love garlic in their food—they believe it has protective powers. Back in the day, they used it to keep away evil spirits and sickness. Even now, a lot of Hungarians swear by garlic as a cure for colds. If you are feeling under the weather during your time in Hungary, maybe try some Hungarian garlic soup? A smelly breath is better than being ill, I suppose?
5. New Year’s Day Rules
How you spend New Year’s Day is supposed to set the tone for the whole year. Hungarians believe that, if you want good luck, you should eat lentils as they symbolize wealth. Or do you want to avoid any unnecessary setbacks, do not eat chicken. As they scratch backwards, it is believed that you will move ‘backwards’ in the following year! One last thing is that do not do laundry on new year’s day, unless you want to ‘wash away’ a loved one’s luck.
6. Babies And Red Ribbons
If you see a Hungarian baby in the streets or trams of Budapest, do not be surprised if you see a tiny red ribbon tied to their clothes or stroller. It’s believed to protect them from the ‘evil eye’, a bad look that could bring misfortune. And when giving baby gifts, avoid sharp objects like scissors or knives—they’re thought to ‘cut’ the bond between the child and the gift-giver. Although I am unsure why anyone would gift a baby scissors or a knife in the first place? Maybe Hungarians have different ideas of sharing gifts.
7. No Whistling Indoors!
Whistling indoors is a no-go in Hungary. Some say it invites financial trouble, while others think it attracts evil spirits. Either way, if you have a habit of whistling while you study, maybe take it outside!
Whether you believe in superstitions or not, knowing about them helps you connect with Hungarian culture and avoid a few weird looks. Plus, it makes for some fun stories to share. So next time you spill salt or sit at the corner of a table, you’ll know exactly what to do!