Full Description
Explore the world of Hungarian Paganism with this book's impressive collection of history, lore, and traditions from the Carpathian basin. The Hungarian people, also known as the Magyars, fused pre-Christian and Christian beliefs into their identity, and that fusion remains today. Exploring mythology, daily life, magic, the Wheel of the Year, and life passages, this book reveals this book reveals Hungarian folk religion and beliefs, both past and present. Margit Toth introduces you to many aspects of the Magyar cosmos, from the creation story to homestead practices. Among many other topics, you will learn how restless spirits were aided, what magical properties the Summer Solstice bonfire had, and why clothes were never washed on a Tuesday. This book provides insight on ancestors, nature spirits, sacred foods, healing magic, divination, and death and burial customs.
Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments • xi
Disclaimer • xiii
Introduction • 1
Part I: MYTHOLOGY
1: The World of Spirits • 11
2: Religious Practice • 25
3: Spirits of the Skies • 35
4: Fairies and Nature Spirits • 43
5: The Rosszak • 53
6: Sacred Animals • 65
Part II: DAILY LIFE
7: The Village • 79
8: The Homestead • 87
9: Sacred Food and Drink • 101
Part III: MAGIC
10: The Witch • 113
11: Other Magical Persons • 121
12: Magical Techniques • 129
13: Talismans and Beyond • 139
14: Divination • 149
15: Healing Magic • 157
Part IV: YEARLY CELEBRATIONS
16: Sacred Time • 167
17: Winter • 175
18: Eastertide • 183
19: Spring • 193
20: Summer • 203
21: Autumn • 211
22: Advent • 219
23: Christmas • 227
Part V: RITES OF PASSAGE
24: Coming of Age • 237
25: Love and Marriage • 245
26: Pregnancy and Childbirth • 255
27: Postpartum and Infancy • 263
28: Death: The Final Passage • 273
Conclusion • 285
Appendix A: Pronunciation Guide • 287
Appendix B: Traditional Month Names • 291
Appendix C: Select Festivals and Holidays • 293
Glossary • 297
Sources Consulted • 305
Bibliography • 329
Index • 347
