Fogadalom

Fogadalom is a vow or pledge to perform a specific action, typically undertaken in a religious or moral context. A person may vow to undertake a pilgrimage, give alms, fast, or fulfill another act in exchange for perceived divine aid or grace, with the understanding that the vow will be carried out later.

The term comes from the Hungarian verb fogad, meaning to promise, with the noun-forming suffix -alom. Fogadalom is used in Hungarian Catholic and folk religious life, and it can also appear in secular contexts to denote a serious personal commitment.

In practice, a fogadalom is usually conditional on a hoped-for outcome—such as healing, protection, or success. After the condition is fulfilled, the vow is kept, a process known as fogadalom betartása. Common forms include visiting a holy site, making a donation, or performing a charitable act, either privately or publicly.

Culturally, fogadalom has been part of Hungarian religious and communal life, often associated with pilgrimages and local traditions. While its religious aspect remains central, the concept also serves as a general term for solemn personal commitments in everyday language, reflecting the importance placed on promises and their fulfillment in Hungarian culture.