Elsségélynyújtók

Elsségélynyújtók, a Hungarian term translating to "hand-holders," is a term that historically referred to a specific group of people in rural Hungarian society. Primarily, it designated individuals who were tasked with assisting in the rituals and ceremonies associated with childbirth and the postpartum period. These individuals were often women, experienced in traditional midwifery and folk healing practices.

Their role extended beyond mere physical assistance. Elsségélynyújtók were expected to provide emotional support to the mother, offer advice on infant care, and perform various customary rites and blessings aimed at ensuring the well-being of both mother and child. These rites could include protective charms, specific prayers, and the preparation of herbal remedies. The term implies a sense of community responsibility and the passing down of generational knowledge.

The importance of Elsségélynyújtók diminished with the advent of modern medicine and institutionalized healthcare. As professional medical practitioners became more accessible, particularly in urban areas, the traditional roles and practices associated with Elsségélynyújtók gradually faded. However, in some remote or more traditional communities, elements of their supportive functions may have persisted for a time, or their memory might be preserved in folklore and historical accounts of Hungarian social customs. The concept highlights the communal and supportive nature of past societies.