Well, he was the Grand Prince of the Magyars, converted to Christianity, bashed the pagan tribal leaders into submission and then united the country under him, thus creating a Christian state.
Getting all the proper paperwork from the Pope in Rome meant that the newest addition to Christendom had a solid foundation on which to grow. No longer seen as pillaging marauders to the east, Hungarians had a legitimate place in Europe. King Stephen I created the country for Hungarians to live.
Wow! Great story! Someone should really make a rock opera about it!
What a good idea, lets start… oh, wait a minute, they did already. István, a király (Stephen, the King) was first performed in 1983 at an open-air stage in Budapest. It was then made into a film, had a hit soundtrack and is still well-known and loved by Hungarians today.
What a good idea, lets start… oh, wait a minute, they did already. István, a király (Stephen, the King) was first performed in 1983 at an open-air stage in Budapest. It was then made into a film, had a hit soundtrack and is still well-known and loved by Hungarians today.
Why is Saint Stephen’s Day on a different day in every other country?
Different Stephen. Most people outside these borders think of Saint Stephen as the first Christian martyr, but he’s a completely different saint, with a completely different St. Stevens Day (December 26th in the west). It is celebrated on August 20th in Hungary, because this is the day on which the Hungarian Stephen’s sacred relics were translated to the city of Buda.
Different Stephen. Most people outside these borders think of Saint Stephen as the first Christian martyr, but he’s a completely different saint, with a completely different St. Stevens Day (December 26th in the west). It is celebrated on August 20th in Hungary, because this is the day on which the Hungarian Stephen’s sacred relics were translated to the city of Buda.
Relics? Like what?
His hand – better known in these parts as “The Holy Right.” His body was mummified after his death and the hand was separated once the tomb was opened. The only other parts of his body which remain are bone fragments which exist in various churches around the country. The “The Holy Right” is brought out for special occasions such as August 20th.
His hand – better known in these parts as “The Holy Right.” His body was mummified after his death and the hand was separated once the tomb was opened. The only other parts of his body which remain are bone fragments which exist in various churches around the country. The “The Holy Right” is brought out for special occasions such as August 20th.
Brilliant. But what’s so great about this holiday?
Well there are two other national holidays (March 15th and October 23rd) but they both commemorate failed revolutions (against the Austrians and Communists respectively) so this is the really Big Party, with no bitter side to it at all. It’s also in summer, so it should be hot.
Well there are two other national holidays (March 15th and October 23rd) but they both commemorate failed revolutions (against the Austrians and Communists respectively) so this is the really Big Party, with no bitter side to it at all. It’s also in summer, so it should be hot.
Okay, okay, I’m excited. So what should I do come August 20th?
First of all, you should wake up very early and go to Mass; this will be your chance to glimpse “The Holy Right.” Then, according to all Hungarians asked in researching this piece, you should attempt to eat as many different types of street food as possible whilst walking towards the river (i.e. perec and kürtőskalács). Once at the river you can watch the air race, make friends with Hungarians, sing songs from rock operas and while away the sunny day in various events across the city before catching the fireworks in the evening.
First of all, you should wake up very early and go to Mass; this will be your chance to glimpse “The Holy Right.” Then, according to all Hungarians asked in researching this piece, you should attempt to eat as many different types of street food as possible whilst walking towards the river (i.e. perec and kürtőskalács). Once at the river you can watch the air race, make friends with Hungarians, sing songs from rock operas and while away the sunny day in various events across the city before catching the fireworks in the evening.
