In order to simmer down the pagans prone to raiding and form a proper country, King Stephen (now Szent Istvan) Christianized and organized the wild bunches in the 11th century. Hungary's founding is therefor attributed to him. A dream he had early on is commemorated nearly a hundred feet up on a pillar in Hossuth ter (Hero's Square). In it, he's being crowned by the Archangel Gabriel. As I understand it, 45 years after he died his body was exhumed to be cannonized, only to discover that his right hand was still fresh, so they took it off. To this day it's kept in St. Stephen's Basilica, and tomorrow the "Holy Right" will be paraded outside as it is each year for the national holiday, St. Stephen's Day.
Everything is buzzing in anticipation of Hungary's version of the 4th. They figure town will be hopping because everyone is around due to it falling mid-week this year. Military marches, majorettes, the Lajos Kassai Horseback Archers, and oxen, pigs and poultry roasted over open fire, and of course, fireworks (or as I read in one paper, "sparkles"). We'll try to hit as much as we can. I'm looking forward to the Szatmari plum cake made with plum brandy.
2 comments:
Just want to say how much I am enjoying your blog. Having been there for just a short time in June it's nice to be reminded of the place and to learn more about it.
Elvie
Plum cake sounds awsome. The Archery show Lajos Kassaie Horseback Archers are suppose to be awsome, too. Western Europe feared them in IX century.
Signed Faithful reader & Party Girl in Wy
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