jövedelmébl

Jövedelmébl, also known as the "Festival of the Dead" or "Day of the Dead" in some interpretations, is a traditional Hungarian folk custom primarily observed in the Transylvania region, particularly among the Székely people. The festival has roots in ancient pagan beliefs and later incorporated elements of Christian traditions, reflecting a blend of cultural and religious influences.

The term *jövedelmébl* translates roughly to "coming of the dead" or "day of the dead," and it is traditionally celebrated on November 1st, coinciding with the Christian All Saints' Day. However, its origins trace back to pre-Christian practices where the living honored their ancestors during the harvest season, a time when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be thin.

During the festival, families prepare special meals, often including dishes like *kolbász* (sausage) and *töltött káposzta* (stuffed cabbage), which are left outside or on graves as offerings. The dead were thought to return to the earth to partake in these foods. In some communities, lanterns or candles were lit to guide the spirits of the departed back to their resting places.

The custom also involved rituals to ward off evil spirits, such as hanging garlic or placing protective symbols around homes. Over time, the festival evolved to include elements of Christian devotion, such as visiting cemeteries to pray for the souls of the deceased. Today, *jövedelmébl* remains a significant cultural event, blending folk traditions with religious observance in a unique expression of Hungarian heritage.