áldás

Áldás is a Hungarian noun meaning blessing. It denotes divine favor or benevolence granted by God in religious contexts, as well as a sanction or favorable condition more generally. The term can refer to a prayerful wish for well-being or good fortune, and it is often used in everyday speech to express good wishes.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from the verb áld, “to bless,” with the nominal suffix -ás, yielding the act or result of blessing. The related adjective áldott means “blessed,” and phrases such as Isten áldása legyen veled (“May God’s blessing be with you”) are common in Hungarian religious and domestic language.

Usage and contexts: in Christian traditions practised in Hungary (notably Catholic, Reformed, and other communities), áldás appears in liturgy, prayers, and benedictions. It is also widely used in secular language to convey goodwill, for example in greetings or during life events. The concept extends to folk and household practices, including lakásáldás (home blessing) performed to ask for divine protection and harmony in a dwelling.

Cultural significance: blessings play a role in ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, harvests, and house blessings, reflecting the belief that divine favor can accompany people and places. In literature and daily speech, áldás can symbolize grace, mercy, or favorable outcomes, while its opposite or denial can be expressed with terms like áldatlan (blessless or unlucky) in old or poetic usage.

See also: benediction, blessings in other languages, áldás as a cultural concept in Hungarian religion and folklore.