THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE SUMMER 2006 (Read

The New
Summer 2006 - Volume V, Issue 3 - Free
HUNGARIAN VOICE
©
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE PROMOTION OF HUNGARIAN CULTURE
Our Forum
2
Hungarian Filmmaker
3
Interview
5
Hungarian Talent
6
Hungary’s
Extraordinary
and Essential
Collector
Hungarian Folk Tale
8
News From Hungary
10
Word Search
11
Hungarian Architect
12
Orchestral Tribute
14
Commemoration
15
Nanaimo Hungarians
18
Hungarian Nuances
20
Learning Hungarian
22
10-Step Program
23
The Urban Fakanál
24
“Péter v. Laborc is one of Hungary’s
foremost military experts and a key advisor
and resource for our upcoming 1956
commemorative projects.”
Continued on page 9...
RISE UP! www.the1956project.com PAGES 4, 14, 15
OUR FORUM
POINTS OF VIEW FROM THE HUNGARIAN-CANADIAN COMMUNITY
EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
Peter Czink VRNT
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
MARKETING AND
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Lorraine Weideman
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Greg Csiszár
Mike Pratt
Anita Rácz
Magda Sasvári
Andrea Szilágyi
WEBMASTER
Rodney Kovács
ACCOUNTING
Mária Vajna
DISTRIBUTION
Kristina Tanner
Zale Tanner
P.O. Box 74527
Kitsilano P.O.
Vancouver, B.C.
V6K 4P4 Canada
604 733-9948
[email protected]
www.newhungarianvoice.com
Published by
The New Hungarian Voice
Editorial Committee
© 2006
All rights reserved
Our special 1956 commemorative publication is now being put together and will be
available very soon. I originally intended to
call it “Uprising”, but I quickly remembered
that the title was already taken. After giving
it more thought I think that was a blessing in
disguise – and I chose “Rise Up!” instead.
Many Hungarians certainly did rise up in
1956, but our title, which has become the
label for our other 1956 projects, refers to
much more than that.
We also rise up before the things that we
revere, and there are just as many reasons
today to learn from the past in order to better
the future as there have ever been. Today in
Hungary and in Canada, life is more
comfortable, and it’s easy to overlook the
need to ‘rise up’. Intolerance, injustice,
oppression and occupation are still very
much alive around the world, yet we often
fail to take notice while we ruminate over
our own history.
As a Hungarian, I cherish the legacy I
have been given – a glorious one with its fair
share of poignant turmoil. As a Canadian, I value the peaceful tolerance that I grew up with.
I hope that all Hungarian-Canadians make a special effort this year to truly rise up in honour
of the past – to empathise with all people who are oppressed because of occupation, to speak out
against intolerance and injustice within our own community, and to make an effort to understand
the fascinating past that is part of our heritage.
Our booklet, “Rise Up! The Oppression, Revolution and Immigration of the Hungarian
People” will be available free of charge toward the end of summer.*
Work on our four commemorative projects, the exhibition, publication, concert and evening
of commemoration, is well under way, and some of the most capable and dedicated HungarianCanadians, as well as world-renowned experts in Hungary are involved. Coming up with a way
to properly thank these individuals was difficult, so I decided to use a time-honoured Hungarian
tradition – the commemorative medal. The Vancouver Chapter of the MHBK (Magyar
Harcosok Bajtársi Közössége), or the World Federation of
Hungarian Veterans as it is often called in English, is
playing a major role in our projects. To commemorate very
important and historic events it is traditional to mint a medal,
or emlékérem, so it was decided to do so for the 50th
Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
All MHBK Vancouver Chapter members who took part as
combatants in the Revolution will receive the award, as well as all
members, honorary members and non-members who have a significant
role in the presentation of the library exhibition, the evening of
commemoration, the concert and/or in the production of our commemorative booklet.
Also, all members, honorary members and non-members who
contribute artifacts (by donation or loan), unique information or
services to any of our endeavours, and/or donate significant
financial contributions will receive the medal. The obverse of the
bronze medal is pictured at left, shown actual size.
P.Cz.
*Contact the NHV to reserve your commemorative booklet
Supply will be limited (NHV subscribers will be sent their copy)
2
When planning our events for the 50th anniversary of the
1956 Hungarian Revolution, we were looking for ways to
educate as well as commemorate the occasion. I discovered
Albert Kish, a veteran Hungarian-Canadian filmmaker with an
extensive career as a director and editor with the National Film
Board of Canada (NFB) from 1967 through 1997.
Kish arrived in Canada in 1957, and started working in the
film industry as a cameraman, then editor and later as an
independent filmmaker. He joined CBC in Toronto in 1964 and
became senior film editor by 1966. He then moved to the NFB
in 1967 where he directed and edited over thirty productions.
Many of his works are documentary in nature, sometimes
investigating the immigrant experience – like “Hold the
Ketchup” (1977), “Our Street was Paved with Gold” (1973) and
“Békevár Jubilee” (1977) – the latter film looks at the first
Hungarian people that settled in Saskatchewan.
I spoke with Mr. Kish to learn more about his extensive
career and tell him that we would be using his poignant film
“This is a Photograph” (1971) that won several awards including the Canadian Film Award for the Best Short film, as part of
our ‘Evening of Commemoration this October 23rd. I asked him
about his Hungarian influences:
by Lorraine Weideman
A CONVERSATION WITH ALBERT KISH
“I lived in the small town of Eger, famous for its red wine, classic Soviet films whenever I had a chance, particularly those
known as Bikavér (bull's blood) and its baroque churches. One that were directed by Sergei Eisenstein. His editing or
morning on my way to school, I noticed a commotion at the front ‘montage’ as they say it in cine-clubs, was new and exciting.
of the cathedral which stood at the center of the city. When I Eisenstein’s “Potemkin” and “October” were made in the silent
went closer to see what it was all about, I discovered a world that film days and the montage made up for the lack of sound. In our
would fascinate me for the rest of my life.
day-to-day existence, we had to balance aesthetic enjoyment
A film crew was shooting exterior shots for a feature motion with abhorrence for the regime that produced the films. At the
picture. There were men and women in period costumes, horses, same time I managed to get a copy of Béla Balázs’s book “Film
old carriages, giant lamps,
Kultura” – a book that
and a camera mounted on a
explained the nuts and
dolly which traveled a great
bolts of cinema.
After
distance along tracks. But
reading his book, I looked
what really fascinated me
at movies very differently.
was the crane. The direcDuring the 1956 Huntor, cameraman and his
garian Revolution, I manassistant could be lifted up
aged to get into the office
from eye-level to above the
of the Chairman of the
crowd, and horizontally Revolutionary
Council.
360 degrees or down for a
The local museum had a
close-up.
brand new 16mm movie
When stepping into a
camera with lots of film
studio for the first time,
stock. The chairman gave
Orson Wells said: “What a
me an ID card, and with
marvellous toy store for
two armed guards we went
grown-ups.”
Clutching
there, and were given the
my school bag, I watched
camera, with the instructhe hullabaloo for four
“THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH” tion manual and all the
days. On the second day
accessory gadgets.
my mother came and informed me that I should be in school and,
As is became clear that the Soviets would intervene and the
not with the ‘clowns’. On the third day, my teacher came, and Revolution would be over, I took all the exposed film and threw
on the fourth day my principal came; yet I stubbornly refused to them in the river, roll by roll. Goodbye to all the images of
return to school – that was the day the cameraman noticed me happy faces, students pulling down red stars and Stalin pictures and asked if I wanted to look into the camera.
all the events I filmed ended up in the bottom of the river. I took
One of the assistants pushed the dolly, and through the view- the camera back to the museum and on the same day I was on a
finder I discovered another reality, another world
train to Austria.
Continued on page 25...
During the oppressive years of communism, I watched the
3
www.the1956project.com
REVIVING THE
REVOLUTIONARY
SPIRIT
A unique exhibition of
artifacts from the
1956 Hungarian Revolution
on display for the
first time in 50 years
OCTOBER 1st - 31st
FREE
ADMISSION
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia Street
Mike Pratt’s
NHV
INTERVIEW
László Csepreghy has lived in Seattle
for 25 years and been involved in the
Hungarian community for two decades.
He has held cultural chair positions in the
past, and is the newly elected president of
the Hungarian Society in Seattle. Over
the last six years he has been promoting
and sponsoring folk music and dance
events, and he loves coming to Vancouver to immerse himself in those very
things. Laci is a key player in nurturing
the Seattle - Vancouver connection.
was downright discouraged. With the
‘revival movement’ of the seventies, still
only a very small percentage of the public
became interested. Those of us who
arrived here in the seventies missed that,
but we had more pressing concerns than
folk dancing at the beginning.
In the immigrant community it is typically the second generation that is involved in the folk culture. In a few years
you’ll see that group down here too.
What do you see as the biggest
difference between the Seattle
Hungarian community and that
of the Vancouver Hungarians?
Size is the obvious one. We have
only about a thousand Hungarians here.
We started our association 20 years ago,
and we don’t yet have the wonderful
continuity like your city has, where at a
táncház (folk-dance party) I can see three
generations participating. I hope it will
come with time. We are working hard to
hold our community together, but we
don’t have a cultural centre yet.
realize the uniqueness of our Hungarian
culture, and work on preserving it for
ourselves and our children.
Do you feel that being a Hungarian
in the US differs greatly from being
a Hungarian in Canada?
I have lived in the US only, but I visit
Vancouver regularly. I find a more
relaxed lifestyle in Canada. It is closer to
the European way of living, that we all
miss. Of course I am referring to your
beautiful city - the ‘emigrant experience’
is probably the same. At the beginning
we all struggle and concentrate on starting a new life here. As time goes on we
It seems to me many more
non-Hungarians than Hungarian
immigrants are heavily involved with
Hungarian folk culture in the US would you agree, and if so why do
you think this is the case?
Yes, it is true in Seattle, and I feel
disappointed that more Hungarians aren’t
involved. I think the answer is in the
‘numbers’. I think that the appreciation
of folk culture was never nurtured in
Hungary, and during the communist era it
What is the largest problem or
challenge facing the Hungarian
community in Seattle and how do
you feel it could be resolved?
I would guess we all have similar
challenges in holding the community
together. Have enough programs to keep
members interested, and continuously
recruit and refresh the membership. I
want to be the ‘connector’ between the
older and newer generations. I hope to
bring back former members who lost
interest. We have a new dynamic board
with lots of ideas. We also plan on
collaborating with the Vancouver and
Portland groups on certain events.
Where do you see your Hungarian
community in ten years?
It will be a larger, more vibrant
group. As president, my goal is to set the
course for the coming years. Last year
showed that if we innovate and offer
more variety of programs, like the PingPong Cup, the Rock and Roll night or the
táncházak with your Forrás Band, we’ll
be able to lure more members and
preserve a strong community here.
1956 - 2006 ANNIVERSARY FULL-COLOUR COMMEMORATIVE PINS
$2.00 each or $16.00 for 20
Contact the MHBK Vancouver Chapter
PO Box 74527 • Kitsilano PO
Vancouver, BC • V6K 4P4 • Canada
604 733-9948 • [email protected]
5
THE TALENT AMONG US
CONDUCTOR LESLIE DALA
BC’s Dynamic and Motivated Musical Master
Leslie Dala grew up in Ontario and is relatively new to the
West Coast. Since arriving in BC in the fall of 1994 to
complete a Master’s Degree in
Piano Performance, he has
managed to secure a reputation due
to his talent and involvement in a
wide range of established musical
ensembles. He has also managed
to stay true to his Hungarian heritage as he speaks the language and
has been involved with many
community organizations since his
youth. This heritage boasts the
likes of Liszt and Kodály though
among Leslie Dala’s favourite
composers are Brahms and Bartók.
He loves the uniqueness of the
Hungarian culture, the language
and its idiosyncrasies as well as the
great tradition of art, literature and
food.
Dala’s formative years of music
education began in Toronto where
he studied at St. Michael’s Choir
School. He then completed a
Bachelor’s Degree in Piano
Performing at the University of
Toronto before finishing his
Master’s Degree at the University
of British Columbia.
Currently he spends a lot of
time traveling as Music Director and Conductor for the Prince
George Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Dala has performed throughout the Lower Mainland (recently with the Fraser Valley
Symphony Orchestra. He is also conductor with Helikon
Ensemble, a contemporary music group, and has conducted at
the Okanagan Vocal Arts Festival in
Vernon, BC and is Chorus Director
and Assistant Conductor with the
Vancouver Opera. This glimpse
portrays a professionalism, comfort
and flexibility in a numerous roles,
however, his extensive experience
extends overseas as well. In 2001
and 2002, he was a Music Director
in France and also played a role in a
Czech Republic ‘Workshop for
Performers’.
If you ever meet Leslie Dala, you
will notice that his kind and
sensitive demeanour is eclipsed only
by his passion for music. Currently
he is preparing to conduct a commemorative concert with the West
Coast Symphony Orchestra for the
50th anniversary of Hungary’s 1956
Revolution. His line-up will feature
non-typical pieces which will
highlight the breadth of Hungarian
composers. It will also prove to be
an appropriate though non-typical
program sure to evoke all the
solemnity and vivaciousness of
Hungary during a troubled time.
This commemorative event will
take place at the Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver on
October 20th, 2006. For more information, see page 14.
Greg Csiszár
Hungarians came to Canada in four major waves. In the period before 1914 about 8,000
immigrated; from 1925 to 1930 about 26,000; between 1948 and 1952, some 12,000 postwar
displaced persons arrived; and between 1956 and 1957 about 37,000 Hungarian refugees
came to Canada after the 1956 uprising. Since then several hundred Hungarians have
immigrated to Canada annually.
The 2001 census reported 267,255 Canadians of Hungarian descent (single and multiple
response). More than 90% of all Canadians with Hungarian ancestry live in Ontario and the
Prairie Provinces: Ontario (128,575 or 48%), BC (43,515 or 16%), Alberta (41,535 or
15.5%), Saskatchewan (24,340 or 9%) and Manitoba (8,900 or 3%). They constitute a
culturally and socially diverse group whose members live throughout most of the country and
can be found in all walks of life.
The majority of Hungarians are Roman Catholic. Others belong to various Protestant
faiths; still others are Jewish or Eastern Rite Catholics. Many of their churches double as
social and cultural centres and provide instruction in the Hungarian language for children. In
the 2001 census 75,540 people in Canada reported Hungarian as their mother tongue.
-Canadian Encyclopaedia Online
6
“Three days and three nights” describes the ultimate Hungarian party wedding celebrations among village folk usually last at least this long. And
while guests and wedding party can sneak the odd nap, stalwart musicians are
constantly on call to provide the essential foundation of the celebrations - the
intoxicating, exuberant melodies of Hungarian folk music.
“Three Nights, Three Days” is the Cifra Ensemble’s latest CD, evoking
the rich heritage of folk music from the Carpathian Mountain basin. Travel
to the most remote corners of Europe with these versatile musicians - you
will understand immediately why Cifra concerts produce passionate fans and
why Cifra is Canada’s foremost Hungarian folk band. Hear unique
instruments such as the kontra, gardon, and kobza, and thrill to the
irresistible rhythms of the Gypsies.
Featuring guest artists Kamill Apt (vocals), László Horváth (dancing) and
Sándor Vöröss (dancing).
www.mindandmatterart.com
$20.00 CDN (including shipping)
[email protected]
MIND AND MATTER GALLERY
PAINTINGS • POTTERY • SOAPSTONE AND MUCH MORE
13743 - 16th Avenue • South Surrey, BC • V4A 1P7
604 536-6460 • [email protected]
www.mindandmatterart.com
Regular Hours - Daily from 12 pm to 6 pm (or by appointment)
Mind and Matter Gallery presents the 33rd Annual
“Arnold Mikelson Festival of Arts”
July 15th and 16th, 22nd and 23rd, 2006
From 10:00am to 6:00pm
Three acres of beautiful gardens filled with artists’
creations, paintings, jewellery, pottery, stone carvings, etc.
Enter from 13743 - 16th Avenue of 13743 - 17th Avenue
Free parking at school
‘Chelsea Bird’ by
Arnold Mikelson
Official Opening: Saturday, July 15th, 2006 - 1:30pm
Master of Ceremony - Rick Forchuk
7
HUNGARIAN FOLK TALES
TRANSLATED and retold by andrea szilÁgyi
THE TURK PART II
(Continued from our last issue)
The chess game lasted three In other words, don’t ever act in anger. Do you understand?”
days and three nights, but the man
The man nodded again, “Yes, Sir.”
won in the end.
Then a large bundle of gold was brought in, and the prime
“Ok, son,” the prime minister said, “you may leave. Come minister said to the servant, “Take this gold to the baker, and
back tomorrow morning and we’ll settle up.”
tell him I said to mix it with the dough and bake it. Tell him
Meanwhile, back home, his wife had given birth to twin to be careful that the gold doesn’t melt inside and that the
boys. She cared for them for one year, and then they were bread still come out crusty.”
taken from her by the law. She couldn’t afford to keep them,
Within fifteen minutes, the bread was brought in. The
and though the state would take care of their education and prime minister offered it to the man and said, “put this bread
upbringing, she still grieved the loss.
in your backpack, but you should only cut into it when your
The next morning, the man was at the prime minister’s heart feels such joy as it never has before. Put the other
door at 8:00 sharp.
bundle of gold in the pommel of your
“So you still want to go home?”
saddle. You’ll need to buy things at
asked the prime minister.
the market.”
“Very much, sir. I need to see my
The prime minister gave the man
family,” replied the man. He had no
one last item: a twelve-shot revolver.
idea what was happening at home.
“You never know when you might
“I never told you,” said the prime
need this,” he said.
minister, “but I have become very
The man was overwhelmed by the
fond of you. You have been a hard
prime minister’s generosity. “I will
working and loyal servant for many
never be able to thank you enough for
years, and if you weren’t going home
all you’ve given me – it’s too much!”
to your wife, I wouldn’t let you go.
“You deserve it, friend.”
No, sir! But you are right to want to
“Oh, one other thing,” said the
go home, and so I will allow it. Tell
prime minister, “don’t leave the
me, how would you like to be paid?
beaten track for the untrodden.
Shall I give you gold, or shall I give
Always stay on the well-travelled
you some good advice?”
road. Do you understand?”
The man had to stop and think.
“I do, and thank you again. Thank
Well! The gold would certainly come
you very much.”
in handy, but a smart man never turns
The man hopped on his horse,
down good advice.
waved a hearty good-bye to the prime
“That is not an easy decision, Sir. I wonder if I could be minister, who watched him until he could no longer see him.
so bold as to ask for a little of both.”
All the people he had met in his twenty years of service lined
The prime minister patted him on the back and said, up to say good-bye to him, and they wept because they loved
“Because you are a good man, and I like you, I’ll give you the the man.
gold, some advice, and more.” He then sent his servant to
He passed the capital city, and went out onto the open
buy the man new clothes. Soon, the man was dressed head to road. Very soon, from the East, he saw two people on horses
toe in such gallant clothing he barely recognized himself.
approaching so fast that their horses were foaming at the
“Thank you so much, Sir.”
mouth.
Then the prime minister had his servant bring the man a
What kind of people are these? Driving their horses to
beautiful steed from the stable, saddled and ready to go.
exhaustion in this heat! What’s the rush?
“This is for you, too,” he said. “I couldn’t let you leave on
They arrived at an intersection at the same time, and the
foot, especially since you have so far to go. Now listen to two men greeted him in Turkish, though it was obvious that
your first piece of advice: no matter how angry you may get wasn’t their first language.
with someone, do not take revenge right away. Always wait
He said, “Who are you? Where do you come from?”
until morning, and if you’re still angry, save it until evening.
The two men replied, “We come from such and such a
Continued on page 21...
8
...continued from page 1
“Every once in a while you meet someone who has a tacit, undetected influence on
you. For his achievements, modesty and uncompromising hospitality, Péter v. Laborc* is
one such person. He is one of Hungary’s foremost military experts and a key advisor
and resource for our upcoming 1956 commemorative projects.”
Péter Laborc found his passion by
walking into it. In his youth it was difficult
to avoid finding military memorabilia, as
his birthplace (Tata, Hungary), was
along the front in
WWII.
He found
many commonplace
items (lunch-kits,
belts and backpacks) which people
had to make use of
as many Hungarians
were destitute in the
1950s. He developed an interest in
many
of
these
daily-use military
items from the stilltoo-recent World War.
His father was also helpful, as a
high-ranking official who had many officer and
sergeant acquaintances. Péter initiated contact
with them: “During this time many of them
were considered second-class citizens…and
they were very happy when people took an
interest in their stories.” This is how he began
his focus on collecting official uniforms. Currently he has at least one of every service and
dress uniforms from Hungary’s Regency
period.
His job as a mail carrier in the 1970’s and
1980’s allowed
his interest to be
peaked by what
he saw in many
Hungarian family
homes (note the
series of photos of
Péter and his colleagues ‘back in
the day’ at right).
He placed importance on these
items from a
young age.
In
seeing their historic and aesthetic value, he developed a
perspective on tattered tunics, torn uniforms
and trinkets that differed from many of his
neighbours. At that time it was neither fashionable nor acceptable to be collecting bourgeois
antiques from centuries gone by. In keeping
with ideological norms of Soviet communism,
many people would have rather disassociated
themselves from the artifacts and reminders of
a classist society. For decades, countless treasures and bits of Hungarian history made their
way to the throw-away pile while Péter took it
upon himself to salvage what he could.
He kept inquiring, collecting and
acquiring. During this time he
went from an individual intrigued by historical curios to a
person considered one of
Hungary’s most knowledgeable
authorities on militaria. Today he
is at the forefront of military antique collecting as well as a known
expert who is often interviewed on
the subject. In addition to an
extensive gathering of uniforms,
he also has the most comprehensive collection of pre-1945 postcards in the country.
The Laborc family home is a testament to his undying commitment to uncover
and preserve the few artifacts that did not end
up in garbage bins around Hungary. In his
closets hang countless 19th and 20th century
uniforms – from the immaculate highest ranking general to that of the muddiest soldier.
“My family is very supportive and they have
an appreciation of the artifacts in our home.”
While collecting rare memorabilia has
turned out to have some lucrative aspects,
Péter Laborc continues to see this as a hobby.
His collecting is a
labour of love,
which has allowed
him to make connections, nurture
friendships, learn
and appreciate the
gritty details of
history.
He grew up in
humble surroundings and still
maintains a modest lifestyle centered around his
family. Today, he lives in Baj, Hungary with
his wife and three children. Péter is also a
regular at Budapest trade shows and
conferences. He leaves a lasting impression: an
approachable and buoyant fellow, eager to
share his expertise and contagious enthusiasm.
Greg Csiszár
*Péter also represents the New Hungarian
Voice at various events around Hungary.
9
NEWS
FROM HUNGARY
MSzP WINS FIRST
ROUND OF ELECTION
2006.IV.13.
The governing MSzP (socialist)
party won the first round of the parliamentary election with 43.21% of the
vote, ahead of right of centre FIDESZ
with 42.03%. Only 66 out of 176
individual constituencies were decided.
A second round of elections will be held
April 23rd.
ELECTION FINALS
2006.IV.23.
The second round of parliamentary
election results mirrored the first round:
The Socialist party won again. Out of
386 mandates the MSzP gained 197
seats, FIDESZ 164 and SzDSz 18.
Victor Orbán, leader of FIDESZ
called his party leaders together on the
evening of the election results, and
offered his resignation as party leader.
He said he feels that losing the elections
is his personal responsibility.
US PLEDGES FLOOD RELIEF
2006.IV.13.
US ambassador George Walker
announced April 8th, that the US will
provide up to $50,000 in emergency
relief funds to assist communities and
individuals affected by the floods in
Hungary. “We remain deeply concerned for all those affected by the
record levels of flooding of the Danube,
Tisza and other rivers in Hungary.”
Walker said. “The US is pleased to
provide support to Hungary in the relief
effort. We recall with gratitude that
when America needed help in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina, the people of
Hungary responded with tremendous
generosity and goodwill.”
HUNGARIAN DIES IN
EGYPT TERRORIST STRIKE
2006.IV.24.
A 47 year old Hungarian woman was
killed and her 53-year old husband
seriously injured in the bombings at the
Egyptian resort town of Dahab April
24th. Tibor Petö, the Hungarian Ambas-
sador in Cairo, along with the Hungarian consul, identified the dead body of
the woman in a hospital in a small town.
They then traveled to Dahab to seek
other Hungarians caught up in the blast.
“…they seem to be the only Hungarian
victims of this terrorist attack.” Petö
told state news agency MTI.
MAKING THE DANUBE CLEAN
2006.V.4.
Mayor Gábor Demszky and Environment
Minister
Miklós
Persányi
launched the construction of a 122
billion HUF sewage treatment plant on
Csepel Island, a project they say will
enable people to once again swim in the
Danube. It’s the largest environmental
related project in the region. The cleaning technology will be provided by a
French company and the building work
by local firms. 65% of the project will
be financed through EU funding.
WIDE RANGING
REFORMS NEEDED
2006 V.15.
The incoming Hungarian government needs to implement radical and
wide range economic reforms in
taxation, pensions, healthcare, education
and local government if the country is to
remain competitive, and avoid a
looming social and economic crises
This is according to a trio of economic
experts, two of whom are former
government ministers. Peter Mihály, an
economist with the Central European
University said: “It is essential to
reconfigure public finances, government
spending and how it is paid for. The
present system is ludicrous.”
PRESIDENT LÁSZLÓ SÓLYOM
ANNOUNCES PRIME MINISTER
OF HUNGARY
2006.V.16.
The Hungarian President asked
Ferenc Gyurcsány, the former Prime
Minister of Hungary to become the head
of the government again. The Members
of Parliament voted again for the former
Speaker of the House, Katalin Szili to
10
by Magda Sasvári
be the newly elected Speaker of the
House.
PUBLIC SECTOR
LAY-OFFS TO COME
2006.V.18.
Ferenc Gyurcsány said his party is
planning to submit its program to parliament on May 30th, with 18 or more bills
that include thorough reforms in all
areas. He said that the first changes
must be launched in the public
administration system by reducing the
number of state secretaries, parliamentary committees, and ministers.
THE NEW COALITION
GOVERNMENT
2006.VI.1.
It took weeks for the two coalition
partners to sign the government
coalition agreement on May 29th, 2006.
Following the elections in April, Prime
Minister Gyurcsány, Socialist (MSzP)
chairman István Hillier and Free
Democrat (SzDSz) chairman Gábor
Kuncze
signed
the
agreement.
Gyurcsány is to submit the proposal to
parliament on May 30th, and the cabinet
will be formed in June. Hungary’s new
government will be reduced to 11
ministries - along with the Prime
Minister’s Office there will be Health,
Agriculture and Rural Development,
Economic, Transport and Information,
Technology, Defence, Welfare and
Labor, Justice and Law Enforcement,
Environmental and Water Management,
Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture,
Local Government and Finance.
TAXES UP
2006.VI.1.
Contrary to previous promises by the
government, they announced that the
planned tax reduction will have to be
postponed. Instead, higher taxes will be
collected to create “…a lasting balance
in public finance.” reported daily
newspaper Népi Gazdaság
FLOOD ALERT
2006.VI.8.
Only a month after recovering from
Danube and Tisza floods, heavy rainfall
has triggered another flood alert in
Hungary. The highest non-emergency
alerts have been raised in the northeastern Borsod-Abony-Zemplén counties along the Hernád and Sajó rivers.
They estimate around 11,700 hectares of
land is under water, and 21 people had
to be evacuated so far. The Danube has
also started to flood again between
Nének and Rajka, and the Buda Quay
(rakpart) between Margaret Bridge and
Mozaik Street had to be closed.
TAINTED WATER SICKENS 1200
2006.VI.13.
Some 1200 people in northeast
Hungary have fallen ill from drinking
contaminated water, Director of
Epidemic Affairs reported. Members of
the city of Miskolc are showing
symptoms of bacteria poisoning as a
result of flooding spring water that flows
into the city water system.
BUSH VISITS HUNGARY
2006.VI.22.
US President George Bush stopped
in Budapest to promote his war in Iraq
in the context of the Hungarian Revolution 50 years ago against the country’s
Soviet occupiers. Bush made a point of
recounting the contribution of Hungary
in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He
noted that “Your soldiers have rebuilt
schools and a medical center” in
Afghanistan and “played a vital role in
Operation Iraqi Freedom by providing
security and delivering goods and
medical supplies to coalition forces.”
But he made no mention of the fact that
more than a year ago, in March 2005,
Hungary pulled out its 300-man military
contingent in Iraq in the face of
spreading public disapproval of the
American-led war there. In doing so, it
joined more than 20 other previous
members of the coalition in removing or
reducing their forces.
Bush, who’s armed forces are
currently occupying Iraq, said that
Hungary’s role in bringing down the
Iron Curtain in 1989 is an example for
Iraq. “The lesson of Hungary is clear:
liberty can be delayed but it can’t be
denied,” the President told a crowd of
dignitaries including Prime Minister
Ferenc Gyurcsány and President László
Sólyom during his speech. “As people
step forward to claim freedom, they will
take strength from your example.”
Sólyom, who met privately with
Bush, referred indirectly to Guantanamo, saying “The war on terror can
only be considered successful if it
conforms to international human rights
laws.”
ART WORTH 2 BILLION HUF
2006.VI.26.
Auctioned art in Hungary was worth
a combined 2 billion HUF (7.1 million
EUR) this spring. The biggest auction
out of 12, held at downtown Budapest's
Kieselbach Gallery, fetched almost 750
million HUF (2.7 million EUR).
Constvary's “Company Crossing a
Bridge” fetched 180 million HUF, over
twice its starting price, and was the most
expensive Hungarian painting this
spring as well as the second highest on
record.
The highest was Mihály
Munkácsy’s “Dusty Road”, which went
for 220 million HUF in 2003.
Sources: Magyar Nemzet, Budapest
Online, Figyelő, Budapest Times.
Hungarian Word Search
T B M J LAGAM J C O RAT
TNNANIEDTOKIAII
EEEIGRVIZINMNLG
NXTMDDKIDSDIIUR
AA V N R A O LA Z U E K J A
S JANTAI LS LE Z OAM
ZUCAHLKONULKSOG
YDLJALOMIAREOAE
S I B K JAYLO S R O Z MT
N T O K N C S I L LAS M I E
STTSATI Z E V OAB I G
OUOULIBDEFGMFBV
EINNKINKIRETZSE
OEDOAUMAEMILIAL
MYN VTZ S G R ETAO ZY
Hungarian Names
(female)
By
andi
szilÁgyi
ANDREA
JUDIT
ANIKÓ
JULIA
ANITA
KARMEN
CSILLA
KATALIN
EDIT
LIVIA
EMILIA MAGDOLNA
EMMA
MARGIT
EMÖKE
MONIKA
ESZTER
ORSOLYA
GIZELLA
TUNDE
GRETA
ZITA
HAJNALKA ZSANETT
IDA
ZSÓFIA
ILDIKÓ
ZSUZSA
IMOLA
Solution on page 26… No peeking ‘til you’re done!
11
ÖDÖN LECHNER
INFLUENTIAL HUNGARIAN ARCHITECT
The organic forms and colours of Art
Nouveau became prominent international
trends in architecture, fine art and the
applied arts throughout Europe during
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In
Hungary, it was called ‘Secession
(szecesszió) Style’. It was a time of
social and political change, and the
followers of this movement wished to
separate themselves from the past,
rejecting tradition in favour of new
organic forms that emphasized human
connection to nature and to create a
modern national style for the country.
Leading the Hungarian Secession
movement was a prominent architect
named Ödön Lechner. His unique style
had Asian and Turkish influences and
incorporated the flora and fauna found in
Hungarian folk art, as well as elements of
pre-Christian Hungarian culture. His aim
was to create a truly indigenous style,
which resulted in a form of Art Nouveau
that was specific to Hungary.
His
designs also incorporated new building
materials and techniques that created a
colourful departure from classical
architecture.
Lechner’s university education started
in Hungary and continued in Berlin. He
also studied in Italy. In 1869 he established his architectural firm with fellow
architect Gyula Pártos in Pest, and five
years later he left for Paris whilst dealing
with his wife’s sudden death. He has
spent three years working there, and later
when he returned home his work
reflected his newly developed ideals of a
modern national architecture.
This new architectural style is most
noticeable on building exteriors, but
extends to the interior decoration as well.
The use of ornate, curvilinear lines and
patterns and organic forms simulate those
found in nature. New materials used in
conjunction with glass and iron are
noticeable characteristics of this style.
Lechner was the first to use decorative
pieces made in his friend Vilmos
Zsolnay’s porcelain factory. In 1896,
Zsolnay created a new ceramic which
carried the brand name ‘pyrogranite’,
which could withstand extreme tempera-
12
ture changes, making this new material
extremely popular throughout Budapest
and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire
architecture of the period.
The Kecskemét Town Hall, with its
ornate decoration, is a wonderful
example of Hungarian Art Nouveau style.
This beautiful building is adorned with
colourful fire-glazed ceramics inspired by
floral folk-art motifs on the exterior and
interior. Interestingly, the town motto
“Neither height nor depth deter me” was
chosen from winning competitive designers Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos.
Lechner influenced generations of
young architects who continued the
Hungarian Secession style. The elegant
Reok Palace in Szeged, designed by local
architect Ede Magyar (1877-1912) and
Géza Márkus’s (1872-1912) Cifrapalota
(Ornamented Palace) in Kecskemét, with
its organic forms, multi-coloured tile roof
and floral ornamentation exemplify the
Hungarian Art Nouveau style.
More of Lechner’s inspiring work can
be seen in Budapest at the Museum of
Applied Arts - founded in 1872, it was
the third largest institution of its kind to
be established in Europe after London
and Vienna. With its multi-coloured
domed roof covered in Zsolnay ceramic
tiles, the building is easily recognised
from a distance. The Oriental figures and
majolica bricks lead you to the interior
that is a vibrant white with delicate
ornately carved columns and pointed
arches reminiscent of Islamic architec-
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Vancouver, BC
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604 733-9948
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13
www.mhbk.com
ture. He boldly used new materials such
as reinforced concrete, glass, wrought
and cast iron in the construction, along
with the Zsolnay pyrogranite tiles. Sadly,
the walls that were once decorated with
paintings by Károly Miksa Reissmann
were whitewashed over at the end of the
1920's (only two rooms survived) when
Art Nouveau went out of fashion.
Some say his later work is more
refined in concept, like in the Geological
Institute with its blue roof and Zsolnay
ceramic decoration on the yellow façade;
and the Royal Post Office Savings Bank
that draws primarily on Hungarian
mythology and folk motifs, using
beehives, snakes, dragons and bull’s
heads. The pagoda shape of the roof
alludes to Székely and Eastern styles. In
Poszony (now Bratislava), the ‘Blue’ or
St. Elisabeth Church is famous for its
blue plaster with inlaid, blue-glazed
ceramic and coloured tiled roof is another
striking example his modern approach.
The end of the popularity of the
Secession style faded with the onset of
the First World War and the eventual
breakdown of the Austro-Hungarian
Empire.
Lorraine Weideman
“An Orchestral
Tribute to 1956”
OCTOBER 20, 2006
A spectacular concert by the
West Coast Symphony Orchestra
performing works by
Hungary’s most notable composers
Conducted by Les Dala
To reserve
tickets call
604 689-3081
Les Preludes - Franz Liszt
Piano Concerto Number 3 – Béla Bartók
Intermission
Hungarian Rhapsody Number 2 – Franz Liszt
Peacock Variation – Zoltán Kodály
Christ Church Cathedral
690 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC
Admission by Donation (Recommended Donation $20.00)
BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT!
The New Hungarian Voice and the
Hungarian Canadian Cultural Alliance invites
you to become involved in our orchestral
tribute by making a financial contribution.
100% of your donation will go to the Christ
Church Cathedral and to the West Coast
Symphony Orchestra to compensate them
for their generous involvement and support
of the commemoration of the Hungarian
Revolution.
Your significant contribution and your
name and/or company logo will be
prominently listed in the New Hungarian
Voice and the concert program and
promotional material.
Please write your cheque to the New
Hungarian Voice, clearly marked ‘October
Concert’.
Your support is greatly appreciated!
14
“An Evening of
Commemoration”
OCTOBER 23, 2006
A two-hour presentation of speakers, personal
reminiscences, historical overview and commentary
National Film Board of Canada short films
“This is a Photograph”
and
“Revolution’s Orphans”
This Is a Photograph
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Alice MacKay Room
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC
Free Admission
This Is a Photograph (1971)
Directed by Albert Kish, Produced by Tom Daly
This short NFB film is a series of snapshot
impressions of a European immigrant’s first five
years in Canada. Photographed with humour and
discernment, they reveal his reactions to his
adopted country, to the environment, and Canadian
ways to which he must adjust.
Revolution’s Orphans (1991)
Directed by John N. Smith
Produced by Rob Iveson and Roman Kroitor
This short NFB film is a drama about sorrow,
regret, ambiguity, and the timeless difficulties of
communication between generations. A young
woman tries to make a film documenting the 1956
Hungarian Revolution and is frustrated when her
father refuses to divulge important details about
their past.
Revolution’s Orphans
15
HUNGARIAN
LANGUAGE LINK
Certified Translation Services
Personal • Medical
Legal • Technical
and Immigration Matters
ESTHER VITALIS
Certified Translator
English - Hungarian
Hungarian - English
#301 - 1717 West 13th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V6J 2H2
604 738-6869
cel: 604 789-0027
fax: 604 738-6805
[email protected]
www.evitalis.com
ORBIS PICTUS HUNGARICUS - HUNGARIAN FOLK COSTUME
During the First World War, the ‘Youth Contingent’ of the Hungarian Red Cross produced a
series of 14 Hungarian folk costume postcards in a fold-out booklet for fundraising. The originals
were executed in black ink by Jenő Horváth and each card measures 9cm x 14cm. On the back of
each one was a description (which we have translated into English) and a space for correspondence.
There was also a map of ‘old Hungary’ showing where the particular figure is from. Although
reproductions of some of these images are often seen, the complete series of 14 cards is quite rare.
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL
COSTUME FROM
PALÓC
LAD FROM RIMÓCZ
He wears a black hat with green branches and a red flower
decoration. His vest is dark blue with silver buttons, and the
edges of the pockets are red. His shirt is white, the apron is
embroidered in red and blue. His linen trousers are white, and
his apron’s string and his hat’s ribbon are scarlet. His boots are
black.
Use crayons, felt pens, coloured pencils or watercolour paint to bring this Hungarian figure to life.
If you want to cut it out and put it in a frame, slip a piece of black paper behind it so the print on the
other side won’t show through! The complete set of 14 will be reproduced in the NHV.
16
No.6
THE
NANAIMO
HUNGARIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
The BC Ferry, Queen of Cowichan, arrived at 12 noon at
Departure Bay terminal in Nanaimo, and it was lovely to see the
smiling and welcoming face of my friend Elisabeth. It was a
typical BC day - although it was
May, it was dark and chilly, and
cold rain was dribbling, but we
were happy to see each other
despite that, and we headed for the
Nanaimo
Hungarian
Cultural
Centre together.
Built for Hungarians who live
in Nanaimo and its surrounding
area, this impressive place is
situated in a beautiful area where
recent developments are making
the real estate very desirable, and
with its wild life and proximity to
the sea, it can only get better.
People were already waiting for us: Joe Simon, the president,
László Pintér and János Kurucz. László, the secretary of the
society has filled this position – more or less uninterrupted since 1988 and János has been the treasurer six times since 1988.
It started here in 1985. Hungary’s refugees from the 1956
Uprising slowly arrived in
Nanaimo where they received help
from the previous Nanaimo
Hungarian Benevolent Society.
They were ready to look for and
meet other Hungarians to create a
cohesive community. They held
their first meeting (now regarded
as their founding meeting) on the
insistence of Mária Mandalik, a
respected member of the community, who was convinced that
Hungarians of Nanaimo should
come together and create their own
organization. This first meeting
was held in the Wellington Fire
hall on October 6, 1985, and later
they continued gathering at various
places. Mr. and Mrs Mandalik,
József Szabó and others were
former members of the Nanaimo
Benevolent Society (see the NHV
Winter 2006 issue).
The society was registered as a
not-for-profit organization in February of 1986. Their main
mandate was to nurture Hungarian culture and tradition, and to
encourage the younger generation to maintain their Hungarian
heritage. Initially there were 86 members – today the membership fee is $20.00 per person, and $30.00 for a family. In the
beginning their only event was the annual Harvest Ball (Szüreti
Bál), but eventually they started to celebrate the coming of the
New Year by holding their own New Year’s Eve Ball.
The Hungarian Cultural Society joined a group of non-profit
organizations and started bingo
fundraising events - in the first
year, bingo generated an extra
$15,000 for the society. Things
were going so well that by 1987
they bought a 1.75 acre property
on Hammond Bay Road for
$27.000, and by 1988 the Nanaimo
Hungarian Cultural Society was
ready to build their dream house.
A plan was presented to the
members for a Hungarian Hall and
it was approved (after a lively
discussion).
Plans for the building were
prepared by László Pintér and the construction started after the
approval by professional architects. The work was organised by
József Szász and András Madarász. The full cost of the building
came to $130,000 - the expenses were covered by bingo
earnings and a grant from the Lottery Foundation. Many
members also contributed generously with funds and volunteer
work. The official opening was on
Sunday May 7th, 1989. President
József Szász greeted the guests,
and in his speech talked about the
history of Hungarian Revolution
and the history of the Hungarian
refugees in Nanaimo. Nanaimo’s
colourful and flamboyant mayor,
Frank Ney officially attended the
meeting, and guests came from
Victoria, Vancouver and many
other places.
During our tour of the building
we admired the library with its
extensive collection of primarily
Hungarian books and videos. One
may borrow any of the tapes for
$1.00 a week. In storage we found
the exquisite paintings of my friend
Mihály Gergely, who passed away
some time ago. His paintings of
the Hungarian Revolution are
being reproduced in commemoration of the 50th anniversary, and
they will be available for purchase for a mere $199.00 each.
Today, the society is a vital part of the community, taking
part in local events, fairs, and winning recognition and competitions year after year. Congratulations for a job well done!
Magda Sasvári
18
NAME 2 PEOPLE AND WIN A PRIZE!
Travel back in time to the 1970’s - This vintage Hungarian tourism photo
shows “Hungarians living in Canada arriving in Budapest”
Recognize anyone? Let us know and the New Hungarian Voice will send you a prize!
Thanks to Péter v. Laborc for the photo
TRADITIONAL HUNGARIAN DESIGNS
470 CRISP, BLACK AND WHITE HUNGARIAN
MOTIFS FOR DESIGNERS AND ARTISANS
68 pages, spiral bound
$24.95 (plus postage)
Mother’s Herbs
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VANCOUVER, BC
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[email protected]
19
Hungarian ‘Közmondások’ and ‘Szólások’
Every language and culture has its own ‘sayings’ or közmondások. In Hungarian, (and in other languages as well) there are
similarities as well as differences between these forms of expression. Közmondások can be categorized according to themes.
For example:
Country and Freedom • Work, Laziness vs. Diligence • Wisdom or Lack of it • Truth and Lies
Wealth and Poverty, Hope • Luck or Misfortune • Stealing, Punishment • Generosity or Frugality
Love, Women, Marriage, Children • Age, Youth, Life, Death • Health, Sickness, Medicine, Doctor
Sayings tend to be more of a play on words, using rhymes and sometimes meanings, while közmondások are usually based on life
experiences and ‘wisdom gained through the ages’; also using rhymes and play on double meanings. However, over time some
sayings may become közmondások. They both may also be fluid and change over time. In many cases, the saying ‘for every truth the
exact opposite is equally true’ is so for the közmondások.
For example:
‘Szólj igazat, betörik a fejed’ vs. ‘Legtovább érni az igazsággal’ or ‘Tell the truth
and they'll smash your head in’ vs. ‘You can go farthest with the truth’.
In other instances humour is often used with double meaning.
For example:
‘Nincs az a szépség amelyhez több nem férne’, meaning “There is no beauty so great where there is no room for more”.
It may not be apparent either in the English translation or in the cultural context, but in Hungarian, the two meanings are that
‘besides one beautiful woman (we) can still love other beautiful women’ but also ‘more may be able to reach one beautiful woman’.
This raises an interesting point: knowing some of these expressions in Hungarian, but with the experience of living in Canada,
many expressions would be unacceptable in this society because of their political incorrectness. Many are in fact, sexist, ageist or
offensive and may ridicule some segment of society. It is difficult to be certain whether this would be true to the same extent in
Hungary.
A couple of examples:
‘Szegény embertöl ne kérj kölcsön’ or ‘csunya lányt meg ne csókolj’ meaning ‘Don't borrow from a poor man’ and
‘don't dare kiss an ugly girl’ or ‘A szép asszony a szemnek paradicsom, az erszénynek purgatorium, a léleknek pokol’
that is ‘A beautiful woman is like Eden to the eyes, purgatory to the wallet and hell to the soul’.
Although some would argue that there is a sense of humour about it, it is an example of what is probably not ‘acceptable’ to say in
this day and age. Many would find it offensive, and therefore because of the passage of time, and the irrelevance to today’s life
circumstances, many are forgotten and hardly used any more.
Kristina Tanner
(Source: Magyar Közmondások, Szólások, szerkeztette: Mózes István Miklós, Metropolis Kiadó, Budapest, 1998)
NUANCES OF THE
HUNGARIAN LANGUAGE
20
Folktale ...continued from page 8
outside. He looked in and saw the table set, laden with so
much food and drink its legs were bent from the weight of all
the pastries.
“What’s going on here? Why the preparations?” he
thought to himself.
His wife was busy carrying still more dishes to the table roasts and chicken. Two young priests sat at the table, and his
wife was serving them food and drinks, and every time she
filled their glasses, she also kissed them. He became so
extremely angry that he reached for the revolver in his pocket.
He wanted to shoot them all.
“What is this? My wife is having a love affair with priests?
Is this why I suffered and grieved for having left her?”
He fingered the revolver in his pocket and then
remembered that the prime minister had said he should
always set his anger aside until the next morning. He
remembered the advice about not leaving the beaten path for
the untrodden and decided to leave the revolver in his pocket.
Instead of shooting, he went to the next house, where a well
to do farmer lived. He spoke Turkish to the couple, asking
how they are doing and how life is treating them.
The neighbour responded in Hungarian, “I only know to
speak Hungarian. I am Hungarian.”
“Well,” he said. “If you only speak Hungarian, I can speak
Hungarian too.”
He asked for shelter for the night, and the couple was more
than happy to put him up. Once he was settled, they sat down
to have some pear brandy and conversation.”
“Where do you come from?” the neighbour asked.
“I come from far away. And I must apologize that I came
to you.” He said, “I wanted to ask for lodging next door, but I
wasn’t sure how things are over there.”
“Very good,” he said.
“The table is so full the legs are bent, and they are bringing
still more food, so I turned around and came here.”
The neighbour said, “Why? You could have gone in.”
“Oh no. An uninvited guest should stay outside the door,
as the saying goes. Is there a wedding or a christening
happening there?”
The woman of the house said, “There is great joy in that
house. You know, that poor widow has spent her whole life
crying and grieving. The sun has set for her twenty years ago
and hasn’t risen until now. But today it has risen brilliantly
and is shining on her.”
“What do you mean?
The woman explained how the widow’s husband was torn
to shreds by wolves twenty years ago, and how her sons were
taken away from her and raised by the state. It turned out the
sons became priests, and their mother had not seen them until
just today, when they came home for the first time since they
were babies. Tomorrow they will celebrate their first mass in
their native village.”
The man’s heartbeat began to quicken. How relieved he
was that he took the prime minister’s advice instead of taking
Continued on page 26...
town.”
“And what nationality are you?”
“Hungarian. We’ve been in service here for ten years, and
now we’re going home.”
“So,” he said, “You are Hungarians?”
“Yes.”
“I am Hungarian too. Where are you from?”
“From Hungary,” they answered.
“I am from Hungary, too.”
“Then let’s travel on together.”
The three walked side-by-side and continued to talk. Soon
they came to a place where the highway curved around a
mountain and another path cut straight across.
The two travelers both said, “let’s take the path and save
some time.”
The man replied, “No, I’m not going that way.”
“Suit yourself. By the time you arrive, we’ll be fed and
rested.”
“I don’t mind,” said the man. “Never leave a beaten path
for the untrodden. You go ahead, but I’m not going.”
So they went their separate ways. They were still within
earshot when the man heard a bunch of noise. There were
gunshots and shouting and yelling and everything. The man
knew their friends were in trouble, and he went after them to
see what was wrong. He went into the forest and saw that
they were being chased by twelve robbers.
“Stop! Your money or your life!”
The man took off in pursuit of the robbers, and pulled out
his twelve-shot revolver and aimed with such precision that
he killed all twelve at once. At once, they rolled off their
horses into a heap.
The travellers looked back and realized the man had saved
them. They slowed so he could catch up with them.
The man said, “You should have listened to me! Fools!”
“We don’t know how to thank you for your kindness.
From now on, even if you tell us to walk through fire, we
will,” they replied.
They went back to the highway and ate and drank until
they felt better, then they resumed their journey. They
travelled so far that they were nearing Hungary. Once they
crossed the border, the two men said, “It’s too bad, but we
have to part for we are going west and you are going east.”
They shook hands, and the men thanked the Turk again for
saving their lives.
When the man reached his village, he exclaimed, “Lord
Jesus, blessed by Thy name, I lived to see my village once
again!”
The sun was setting, and he looked for the street where he
once lived. When he got there he saw nothing was left of his
garden.
He thought, “Oh! My wife must have lived in great
poverty, she even had to burn the garden.” As he approached
the window, he noticed the light was still on - it shone
21
LEARNING HUNGARIAN
...CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST ISSUE
Lesson Five: Motion
Vocabulary
The accusative suffix for each noun is given in parentheses
barát (-ot) - friend
most - now
sok (-at) - a lot (of) (noun or adj.)
nagy - big
posta ('-t) - post office
egyetem (-et) - university
kórház (-at) - hospital
Magyarország (-ot) - Hungary (literally 'Hungarian country')
szálloda ('-t) - hotel
hová - to where
vagy - or
orvos (-t) - doctor
Grammar
There Is/There Are
Expressing 'there is/are' in Hungarian is easy. They just use van and vannak,
which you recognize as the 3rd person singular and plural forms of the verb lenni - 'to
be'. Look at these sentences and pay attention to word order:
Van egyetem Philadelphiában?
Is there a university in Philadelphia?
Egy nagy posta van a városban.
There is a big post office in the city.
Az étteremben sok asztal van.
There are a lot of tables in the restaurant.
Note: following sok the noun appears in singular always.
We can't give any sentences with vannak because you don't know any plurals yet,
but it is used the same way obviously.
When you want to negate and say 'there is not', use the word nincs. Nem van is
incorrect. The negation of nem vannak is nincsenek, but there will be examples in
Lesson Seven when the plural is covered.
Nincs ott kórház.
There is not a hospital there (There is no hospital there).
Nincs asztal?
Isn't there a table?
CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE...
Hungarian Language Course on the Internet:
www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/a/d/adr10/hungarian.html
22
THE HUNGARIAN
PROGRAM
To be Hungarian, it is not enough to speak the language, be from or have ancestry in Hungary. You must live and experience the
essence of what it is to be Hungarian. This, however, is not something which can be achieved over night! No one wakes up
Hungarian, more than they wake up Canadian, regardless of what your current passport officer has told you. To cultivate your
culture, much like your identity, you need to be aware of the little things, consciously make little changes and grow to be a part of
something bigger. The following is a list meant for people who already consider themselves Hungarian, or to those who want to be
apart of one of the coolest cultures on earth. Bring a little Hungarian into your life!
by Anita Rácz
1. Buy some paprika. This is an easy one because paprika is one of the most recognized and stereotyped of things
Hungarian. When looking to buy paprika, look for a dark deep red colour. Use it. And I do not mean just a
sprinkling on your eggs. Find a recipe that requires paprika in it (see page 24). Bonus points if it has the word
paprika or paprikás in the title.
2. Learn one Hungarian word, or if you already speak Hungarian, practice Hungarian with a friend who also speaks
the language.
3. Go to a deli, buy some Hungarian kolbász. Shout Ez jó! (This is good!), and smile approvingly.
4. Listen to some Hungarian music. This is broad and can fit anyone tastes. It could be classical, folk, sláger (pop)
etc. There are a few great internet radio stations which can hook you up to live radio.
5. Get to know your family. Take some time and look into your ancestry. Find out when your family immigrated
and why. If you are not Hungarian, I still suggest this because family ties are something that all Hungarians hold
dearly.
6. Make your house smell like a Hungarian house! To make your house Hungarian scented follow this Hungarian
potpourri recipe:
Warm oil in skillet
Chop one head of onion and one head of garlic into small pieces
Sauté onions and garlic in oil
Add a teaspoon of paprika to the mixture, stir
Place in a bowl at the centre of the kitchen or dining room
Accentuate with bread and a bottle of pálinka for extra freshness
7. Explore the written word. Hungarian authors have written several amazing books and poems that are available at
your local libraries. Most of these books have been translated, so even those who prefer to read in English can
enjoy Hungarian writers.
8. Newsflash! Take a little time to look into what is happening in politics, cultural events and sports in Hungary.
Or, get enthusiastic about your own community and examine what events and activities are happening here with
local Hungarians, and how you can get involved.
9. Appreciate the arts. Pay homage to Hungarian painters, sculptors and artisans. Give that doily, table cloth,
painting, ceramic or carving the respect it deserves!
10. Live, love, eat, drink, sing, dance and appreciate who you are and proudly be as Hungarian as you want to be!
23
The Urban Fakanál*
by
Mária Vajna
VEGETABLE GOULASH - HAMIS GULYÁS
Ingredients
3-4 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onions, sliced
1 tablespoon paprika or Hungarian red paprika mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 - 8 carrots, chopped
1 – 2 turnips, chopped
1 medium potato, chopped
Add any other vegetables your choice.
2 cups water
Method for best results
Heat oil over medium temperature. Stir in chopped onions cook until translucent, not brown. Add
Hungarian paprika and gradually add the chopped vegetables and let simmer. Add water and bring to a
boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are
very tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
PASTA WITH COTTAGE CHEESE - TÚRÓS CSUSZA
Ingredients
1 package egg noodles (square or wide)
500 grams cottage cheese (dry or baking cheese)
6 – 8 slices bacon
250 ml. sour cream
salt to taste
Method for best results
Cut bacon into small pieces and fry bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from drippings. Cook the
noodles in lightly salted water and drain thoroughly. Preheat a casserole style dish.
Mix the bacon fat with the noodles (or oil if you do not want to use the bacon drippings). Mix cottage
cheese with the sour cream and stir into the noodles. Spoon into casserole and sprinkle with the bacon.
Place in preheated oven and heat thoroughly - then serve immediately.
Gulyás (often anglicized as ‘goulash’), a traditional Hungarian stew, should be thick and rich.
In this case, richness comes from a variety of vegetables cooked until tender.
Use a high-quality paprika here for true Hungarian effect.
A Good source of beta-carotene, fibre, potassium and vitamin C
Enjoy! Jó Étvágyat! Bon Appetit!
*Fakanál is Hungarian for ‘wooden spoon’. It’s an essential word for your gastronomic vocabulary, and can also serve as a very naughty sounding expletive for you to use on your nonHungarian speaking guests.
24
Albert Kish ...continued from page 3
1957 I was living in Montreal. Ten years later, after working as
a senior film editor at the CBC in Toronto, I became an
employee of the Film Board.
Later, as a director, my early films were about Canadian
history - I liked the subject and as an added bonus I traveled to
the ten provinces and the two territories. I learned so much
about Canada and Canadians.
My immigrant subjects were suggested to me by my
producers. I insisted that I didn’t want to become what I called a
‘licensed ethnic’ and that I was interested in the immigrant
stories only as universal human experiences.”
Albert Kish is also well known for his photography, and
his work is currently available at the Stephen Bulger
Gallery in Toronto. www.bulgergallery.com
“THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH”
I wanted to go to America - after all, Hollywood was the
‘center of the world’ to a cinema buff like me.
One day, however, a friend of mine told me about a film
screening at a university in Vienna. Luckily, I had the curiosity
and sit through an evening of films from the National Film
Board of Canada - films that were beautifully photographed and
cleverly edited. After seeing many Hollywood films, I quickly
realized that the NFB films were perfected in the editing room.
The next day I was at the Canadian Embassy to fill out an
application form, and a month later I got my visa. By March of
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25
Folktale ...continued from page 21
out the revolver.
“Please,” said the Turk to the woman of the house, “could
you go over and ask the woman to come here?”
“We are the godparents of those boys. We have supported
that woman all these years, and we took care of her in her dark
hours. I’m sure she will come over for a few minutes.”
The neighbour thought he wanted to give her a gift, so she
went over and greeted the woman and her sons.
“There is a visitor at our house, a stranger, who is asking to
see you.”
The young priests said, “Who can he be? Let’s go find out.”
So the three went next door. Everyone exchanged warm
greetings. The woman was embarrassed and stood to the side,
for she was shy.
The strange gentleman said, “Why do you stand aside?”
“I’m fine here,” she replied.
“Is it true you’re a widow?” he asked.
“Yes, for twenty years now.”
“How did your husband die?”
“Wolves tore him apart.”
“Are you sure? Who saw it happen?”
The woman started to laugh. “My husband has long turned
to ashes!”
“But if he were still alive, what would you say to him? What
if I told you he isn’t dead?”
“That’s impossible. I have a death certificate for him.”
“Did your husband have any distinguishing marks?” asked
the man.
“Yes, he had a mole under his left arm,” she replied.
The man took his shirt off. “Was it like this?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Well now. You can be sure I am your husband. I am the
man whom you exchanged vows with at the alter so many years
ago. It is me that you married. I was never devoured by
wolves. I have come home.”
The young priests raced to embrace their father, and the
woman wept with joy. They all went back to their house, ate,
drank, and talked until midnight.
The next day, they all went to church together, and
celebrated the ordination. After the mass, they had a huge feast.
Because his heart was the fullest it had ever been, he took out
the loaf of bread the prime minister had given him. And when
he cut into it, gold poured out all over the table.
“Where did you get all this gold?” they asked.
The man told the story of the last twenty years of his life.
Then he took the gold from his saddle, and there was enough
for everyone in the entire village.
From that day on, they had a happy life. They were rich and
became counts. They had wealth enough to share with the poor.
They replanted a garden, but this time, it was behind their new,
much larger house.
This is the end – run with it, and invite them to be your
guests tomorrow!
WANTED
Hungarian military artifacts decorations, uniforms, documents,
swords, insignia, accoutrements
books, etc.
Ancient to Modern
Buying single pieces or
entire collections
WORD SEARCH ON PAGE 11
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Certified Translation Services
Zita Szilagyi, Proprietor
Hungarian - English ▪ English - Hungarian
Certified translator
831 East Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC Canada ▪ V6A 2A4
This is a partial version of a story from Linda Degh’s book
called Hungarian Folktales: The Art of Zsuzsanna Palko. Linda
Degh is a prolific and highly respected folklorist and professor
at the University of Indiana. The stories in this book were told
by Mrs. Palko, a famous storyteller from Kakasd, Hungary.
They were recorded, transcribed, annotated, and introduced by
Linda Degh.
Phone: 604-430-1651 ▪ Fax: 604-430-1625
Email: [email protected]
www.gardenoflanguages.com
26
HUNGARIAN ORGANIZATIONS
THE NEW HUNGARIAN VOICE
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1133 Beach Avenue • Vancouver, BC • V6E 1V1
604 788-1772 • [email protected]
is available at:
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1224 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC 604 684-5019
GVC CREDIT UNION
VANCOUVER
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BRENTWOOD
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LOUGHEED PLAZA
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IMPACT PLAZA
137-10090-152nd Street, Surrey, BC 604 584-4434
HUMAN RIGHTS FOR MINORITIES
VANCOUVER SOCIETY
606 - 1640 Esquimalt Avenue • West Vancouver, BC • V7V 1R6
604 922-0783 • [email protected]
HUNGARIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL ALLIANCE
PO Box 74527 • Kitsilano PO • Vancouver, BC • V6K 4P4
604 733-9948
HUNGARIAN CONSULATE
306 - 1770 West 7th Avenue • Vancouver, BC • V6J 4Y6
604 730-7321
MAGGIE’S PHARMACY
2591 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B C 778 371-8721
METRO TRAVEL & TOURS LTD.
450-555 W. 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 604 879-5321
HUNGARIAN EMBASSY
299 Waverly Street • Ottawa, Ontario • K2P 0V9
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MOTHER’S HERBS & VITAMINS
117 East 14th Street North Vancouver, BC 604 988-4372
PEOPLE’S CO-OP BOOKSTORE
1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC 604 253-6442
HUNGARIAN REFORMED CHURCH
OF VANCOUVER
900 East 19th Avenue • Vancouver, BC • V5V 1K7
Mail: 7159 McKay Avenue • Burnaby, BC • V5J 3S6
604 321-4226
(KALVIN) FIRST HUNGARIAN
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2791 East 27th Avenue • Vancouver, BC • V5R 1N4
604 437-3442
NANAIMO HUNGARIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY
Box 85 • Nanaimo, BC • V9R 5K4
250 756-2410
OKANAGAN HUNGARIAN SOCIETY
1670 Ross Road • Kelowna, BC • V1Z 1L9
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1810 East 7th Avenue • Vancouver, BC • V5N 1S2
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HUNGARIAN SOCIETY OF VICTORIA
476 Bay Street • Victoria, BC • V8T 5H2
250 388-5004 • [email protected]
REXALL DRUGS
Bentall Centre, Vancouver, BC 604 684-8204
27
HIRADÓ
Weekly News Summary
Sundays 3:00 pm
MAGYAR VILÁG
Weekly Documentary
Sundays 3:30 pm
Tuesdays 1:30 pm
On SHAW
Multicultural
(channel 20 in
Vancouver)
JULYJULIUS
Sunday
Vasárnap
Monday
Hétfő
Tuesday
Kedd
Wednesday
Szerda
Thursday
Csütörtök
Friday
Péntek
Saturday
Szombat
1
Canada Day
Tihamér, Annamária
2
3
4
Ottó
9
Kornél, Soma
10
Amália
17
Valter
July 1
Canada Day
23
August 20
St. Stephen’s Day
September 4
Labour Day
October 1 - 31
Reviving the
Revolutionary Spirit
Vancouver Public Library
October 20
Orchestral Tribute to the
Hungarian Revolution
Christ Church Cathedral
Jenő
26
Anna, Anikó
22
Dániel, Daniella
Magdolna
28
29
Olga, Liliána
Szabolcs
Márta, Flóra
AUGUSTAUGUSZTUS
Sunday
Vasárnap
Monday
Hétfő
Tuesday
Kedd
Wednesday
Szerda
Thursday
Csütörtök
Friday
Péntek
Saturday
Szombat
1
2
3
4
5
Boglárka
6
7
8
Berta, Bettina
13
20
St. Stephen’s Day
Vajk
27
9
Ibolya
14
Mária
22
Sámuel, Hajna
28
Gáspár
Ágoston
Bence
30
Beatrix, Erna
Zsuzsanna, Tiborc
Klára
19
Jácint
Ilona
25
24
Krisztina
12
18
Ábrahám
Menyhért, Mirjam
29
Lőrinc
17
23
Domonkos, Dominika
11
10
16
Marcell
Hermina
Emőd
László
15
21
Lehel
Bertalan
Huba
26
Lajos, Patrícia
Izsó
31
Rózsa
Erika, Bella
SEPTEMBERSZEPTEMBER
Sunday
Vasárnap
Monday
Hétfő
Tuesday
Kedd
Wednesday
Szerda
Thursday
Csütörtök
Friday
Péntek
Saturday
Szombat
1
2
Egyed, Egon
October 23
An Evening of
Commemoration
Vancouver Public Library
Alice MacKay Room
3
4
Hilda
Labour Day
Rozália
11
10
Nikolett, Hunor
This calendar page, complete
with the unique Hungarian
‘name days’, or névnapok,
is sponsored by the HungarianCanadian Cultural Alliance
Henrik, Roland
Örs, Stella
Illés
27
Ellák
15
21
20
Emília
Kristóf, Jakab
Oszkár
Judit, Xénia
Ipoly
September 16
Harvest Ball
Our Lady of Hungary Church
25
Apollónia
14
13
19
8
Csaba
Izabella, Dalma
Frigyes
31
7
Emese, Sarolta
Nóra, Lili
Endre, Elek
Kincső
6
12
18
24 Kinga,
30
July 9
Picnic
Our Lady of Hungary Church
August 6
Picnic
Hungarian Reformed Church
Lenke
Ulrik
11
Lukrécia
16
5
17
Zsófia
Gellért, Mercédesz
6
Viktor, Lőrinc
12
Teodóra
18
24
5
13
19
25
Eufrozina, Kende
Vilhelmina
Friderika
15
Máté, Mirella
16
Edit
23
Móric
29
Vencel
Ádám
Enikő, Melitta
22
28
Adalbert
9
Mária, Adrienn
Szeréna, Roxána
21
27
Jusztina
Regina
14
Kornél
20
26
8
Zakariás
Mária
Diána
7
Rebeka, Dorina
Tekla
30
Mihály
Jeromos