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Introduction and greeting
The way of greeting a Hungarian when you meet him/her
for the first time is more or less the same as in other
countries: both of you introduce yourselves and shake
hands. According to the usual practice the full name has
to be said, though among youngsters it is more acceptable
to say only the Christian name, similarly to the e.g.
American custom. If you meet let's say 5 unknown persons
at the same time, than you should introduce yourself and
shake hands person by person. In Hungarian the family
name is the first name, which is followed by the Christian
name. In case you meet someone whom you already know,
you shake hands. This custom concerns women as well in
business or official situations.
Kissing on the cheeks is usual for those who are in closer
relationship.
When you enter somewhere you who have to greet first those
who are in the room by saying "Jó reggelt
kívánok!" - in the morning, "Jó
napot kívánok!" - during the day, or
"Jó estét kívánok!"
- in the evening. If you leave a room it is also you who
have to say first "Viszontlátásra!",
which means good-bye.
Small children to adults and males to females also use
"Csókolom", or "Kezét csókolom"
(I kiss your hand), which is a very polite form of greeting.
Informal greeting is "Szia", "Szevasz",
but "Heló" and "Csáó"
are also accepted nowadays.
When you are to leave a meeting, or even an informal discussion,
shaking hands is also expected such as when you meet someone.
Business cards
Business cards are essential tools for building contacts
not only in business relations but in other social and
informal situations as well.
Tips
Tipping is such a custom, which you can meet in various
situations living in Hungary. Regardless the different
services it's amount is generally around 10-15% as a minimum.
Hungarians give tips at restaurants, bars, hairdressers,
beauticians, petrol stations, for repairmen and taxi drivers
and some coins for postmen as well. Regarding postmen
it is also usual to invite him/her inside for a short
drink. At bath the cabin attendants are also given smaller
amounts.
Birthday and name day
In Hungary the celebration of birthdays and name days
are usual. While mainly family members celebrate birthdays,
name days are important communal occasions hold by friends
and colleagues at office as well. It is a good opportunity
to present small gifts to the celebrated. These can be
flowers, chocolates, bottle of some kind of drink, or
funny things referring to the character of the feted.
Women's day (Nõnap)
8 March is Women's day, when women get more attention
and receive more politeness than on a usual day. This
custom is hold by male family members and colleagues as
well. Generally flowers are given to the ladies and girls.
Easter Monday
Traditionally, mainly in the countryside, Ester Monday
is celebrated by "watering" ceremony. It means
that boys and men from all ages visit their female acquaintances,
recite a poem and then sprinkle them with water or perfume.
In exchange for that male get a painted Easter egg and
some short drinks, like pálinka from females.
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is the first Sunday of May. Generally flowers
are given to mothers and grandmothers. This day is celebrated
in kindergarten and primary schools.
Children' Day
On the first Sunday of June children are celebrated. Various
programs, competitions, playing houses, music programs,
concerts, theatre performances, dancing houses are organised
throughout the country for them.
Mikulás
The day of Mikulás (Santa Clause) is 6 December.
This is the date when Mikulás visit the children
and put some gifts to the shoes of good guys, while bad
boys and girls get rods. |
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