eljegyzési

Eljegyzési is a Hungarian term that translates to "engagement" in English. It refers to the period between a proposal of marriage and the wedding ceremony. During this time, a couple is publicly recognized as being committed to marriage. It is a significant social and often legal milestone in Hungarian culture, marking a formal promise between two individuals to marry.

The customs surrounding eljegyzési can vary. Traditionally, a formal proposal might involve the groom asking for the bride's hand in marriage from her parents. The engagement itself is often signified by the exchange of engagement rings, typically worn on the left ring finger. The duration of the engagement can range from a few months to several years, depending on the couple's circumstances and preferences.

During the engagement period, couples often begin planning their wedding, which can include organizing the ceremony, reception, and other related arrangements. It is also a time for families to become better acquainted and for the couple to strengthen their relationship in anticipation of married life. While the engagement is a serious commitment, it is not legally binding in the same way as marriage itself. However, breaking an engagement can sometimes have social implications. The term encompasses the anticipation and preparation for the upcoming union.