néprajzban

Néprajzban is the Hungarian term for ethnography or folklore. It refers to the academic discipline that studies the traditions, customs, beliefs, material culture, and social structures of various peoples, particularly those of peasant and folk communities. The field encompasses a wide range of research methods, including participant observation, interviews, archival research, and the analysis of material artifacts.

Hungarian ethnography has a long and rich history, with significant contributions made throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Early ethnographers often focused on collecting and documenting traditional folk practices, songs, dances, and material culture, aiming to preserve what was perceived as a vanishing way of life. Over time, the discipline evolved to incorporate more theoretical approaches, examining the social, economic, and political contexts of folk traditions.

Key areas of study within néprajz include kinship systems, economic practices like agriculture and crafts, religious beliefs and rituals, oral traditions such as folktales and proverbs, and the material culture expressed through architecture, clothing, and tools. The study is not limited to historical practices but also examines how folk traditions adapt and persist in contemporary society, including in urban environments and through modern media. Hungarian ethnography continues to be an active field, contributing to a broader understanding of cultural diversity and the human experience.