Published: December 08 2023
The Hungarian National Museum is hosting a new exhibition called "Hungarian Bride" from December 14. Curated by fashion historian Ildikó Simonovics, the exhibition showcases the history and traditions of Hungarian marriages through the collections of the Hungarian National Museum and its partner institutions.
The Changing Roles of Women in Marriage
The exhibition features the stories of hundreds of women, along with their dresses, accessories, and love letters, that highlight the evolving roles of women and the changes in their relationship to marriage. It explores how marriage has played a significant role in attaining social status in traditional Hungarian culture.
Traditional Hungarian Wedding Customs
In Hungarian culture, weddings are elaborately celebrated events that represent the continuity of traditional customs. Engaged couples wear their rings on the left hand and move it to the right hand after marriage. Brides wear colorful, embroidered dresses and headdresses adorned with symbols of fertility, such as woven wheat. The traditional wedding dress is the most intricate variation of the vibrant local festive costume.
Village Customs in Urban Weddings
Contemporary urban weddings in Hungary continue to include some old village customs. For example, brides may wear a kerchief on their heads to symbolize their transformation as new women. They also participate in dances with guests and receive wedding money, which represents the newlywed couple's first collective wealth.
Conclusion
If you're interested in exploring the history and traditions of Hungarian marriages, don't miss the "Hungarian Bride" exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum. Through its diverse collection, the exhibition offers insights into the changing roles of women and the rich customs associated with weddings in Hungarian culture.
Questions & Answers
What is the title of the exhibition at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest? The title of the exhibition is "Hungarian Bride".
Who is the curator of the exhibition? The exhibition is curated by fashion historian and curator Ildikó Simonovics.
What will be showcased in the exhibition? The exhibition will showcase the history and memories of Hungarian marriages, matrimonies, and love affairs. It will feature hundreds of women's stories, along with their treasured dresses, accessories, and love letters, illustrating the changing roles of women and the changes in the relationship to marriage.
When will the exhibition be open to the public? The exhibition will be open from December 14.
Where will the exhibition take place? The exhibition will take place at the József Nádor Hall of the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest.
What customs are associated with traditional Hungarian weddings? In traditional Hungarian weddings, engaged couples wear their rings on the left hand and switch the ring to the right hand once they are married. Brides wear colorful and elaborately embroidered dresses and decorated headdresses, sometimes adorned with woven wheat to symbolize fertility. Additionally, some brides emerge from their weddings with a kerchief on their heads to signify their transformation as new women, and they may dance with guests in exchange for wedding money.
Are there any old village customs that are still present in contemporary urban weddings in Hungary? Yes, some old village customs are continued in contemporary urban weddings in Hungary. For example, brides may still wear a kerchief on their heads to symbolize their transformation, and they may participate in dances with guests in exchange for wedding money, which is considered the first "collective wealth" of the newlywed couple.
