húsvéti

Húsvéti, commonly known as Easter in English, is a major Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is one of the oldest and most widely observed holidays in the Christian tradition, marking the culmination of Lent, a period of fasting and penance lasting forty days. The date of Easter is determined by the lunar calendar, specifically the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, which typically falls between March 22 and April 25.

The observance of Easter varies across different Christian denominations, though the core themes of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection remain central. Many traditions include church services, such as sunrise services, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Easter is also a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts, often centered around symbols like eggs, rabbits, and hares, which have roots in pre-Christian spring fertility festivals.

In Hungary and other Central European cultures, Easter holds particular significance. The week leading up to Easter, known as *Húsvéti hétek*, is filled with customs such as blessing foods, decorating eggs, and visiting cemeteries to honor the deceased. A traditional Hungarian Easter dish is *húsos tojás*, a boiled egg filled with spiced meat, while *húsvéti kenyér* (Easter bread) is another staple. The Easter Bunny, or *Húsvéti nyúl*, is a popular figure in Hungarian folklore, delivering colored eggs to children as a symbol of new life.

While primarily a Christian holiday, Easter has also influenced secular and cultural practices, blending religious observance with seasonal celebrations of renewal and rebirth. Its observance reflects both spiritual devotion and communal traditions, making it a cherished event in many societies.