How Do You Say Happy New Year in Hungarian? Learn Holiday Greetings and New Years Traditions

How Do You Say Happy New Year in Hungarian? Learn Holiday Greetings and Traditions

As the New Year approaches, learning how to say "Happy New Year" and other holiday greetings in Hungarian can help you connect with locals or celebrate Hungarian culture. Let’s explore some essential phrases, traditions, and cultural insights to make your holidays extra special.

How to Say "Happy New Year" in Hungarian

The Hungarian phrase for "Happy New Year" is Boldog Új Évet! (pronounced: BOL-dohg ooy AY-veht).

• Boldog means "happy."
• Új means "new."
• Évet means "year" in the accusative form.

When greeting someone on New Year’s Eve or Day, you can simply say Boldog Új Évet! to spread good cheer.

You can also say BÚÉK! Which is the same thing but shorter and more commonly used.

Other Useful Hungarian Holiday Greetings

• Kellemes Karácsonyi Ünnepeket! — "Merry Christmas!"
• Kellemes Ünnepeket! — "Happy Holidays!"
• Boldog Karácsonyt! — "Happy Christmas!"
• Boldog Sületésnapot! — "Happy Birthday!" (if celebrating a December birthday!)

These phrases are perfect for cards, messages, or festive conversations.

Hungarian New Year’s Traditions

Hungary has rich New Year’s traditions that reflect its unique culture and beliefs. Here are some highlights:

1. Szilveszter (New Year’s Eve)

Hungarians call New Year’s Eve Szilveszter, named after Saint Sylvester. This night is filled with celebrations, fireworks, and gatherings. Popular activities include attending parties, eating traditional dishes, and toasting with champagne at midnight.

2. Traditional Foods for Luck

Hungarian New Year’s meals often focus on symbolism:

• Lencse (lentils): Eating lentil soup or dishes is believed to bring wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
• Malacsült (roast pork): Pork symbolizes progress because pigs root forward.
• Avoid poultry: It’s believed that chickens scratch backward, which could bring setbacks.

3. Fireworks and Noise

To chase away evil spirits, Hungarians traditionally light fireworks or make noise using horns and noisemakers. This practice is rooted in folklore and remains a lively part of modern celebrations.

4. Fortune Telling

In some households of old, people pour melted lead into cold water to interpret shapes as omens for the New Year. This old custom is a fun way to predict what’s ahead.

How to Incorporate Hungarian Traditions into Your Celebration

Even if you’re not in Hungary, you can incorporate these traditions to add a Hungarian twist to your New Year’s celebration:

• Cook a Hungarian meal featuring lentils and roast pork.
• Use Hungarian greetings in your holiday cards or social media posts.
• Learn a Hungarian folk song or dance to liven up your festivities.
• Watch Hungarian fireworks displays online or create your own celebratory noise.

Practice Your Hungarian Greetings

Here are a few sample sentences to practice:

1. Boldog Új Évet kívánok! — "I wish you a Happy New Year!"
2. Kívánok egy békés és boldog Új évet! — "I wish you a peaceful and happy New Year!"
3. Remélem, az új év sok örömöt hoz! — "I hope the New Year brings you lots of joy!"

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning to visit Hungary or want to embrace its rich culture, learning holiday greetings like Boldog Új Évet! is a great way to start. Incorporate Hungarian traditions into your celebration and lifestyle, and you’ll have a memorable and meaningful New Year.

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Boldog Új Évet kívánunk! (We wish you a Happy New Year!)