Karácsony a déli végeken
Christmas on Délvidék (the South-Pannonian Basin)

Summary/Abstract: It would be hard to determine which is the most widely respected custom of the winter holiday season on the South-Pannonian Basin. Though it differs from region to region how people celebrated the holidays, there is also a pattern, which can be observed among the customs. The most numerous and versatile folk traditions are connected to Christmas. The Advent, i.e. the arrival, has been always one of the most important holidays celebrated by Hungarians living in the Versec (Vršac) area. Most of the Hungarians living there today are eldelry. They still remember the times when they used to attend masses, when the community had their own parish. As the holiday season approached, the athmosphere became more and more elevated. The 13 days between St. Lucia`s Day and Christmas passed swiftly in cleaning, cooking, washing – while respecting the beliefs and customs attached to the season. Christmas is still celebrated in intimacy and riches, regardless the times have changed.

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