Hungarian Culture

When most people think of the European country of Hungary, the first things that may come to mind are Hungarian cuisine (particularly paprika), the capital Budapest, horse riding and perhaps a tradition for romantic literature and renaissance architecture. Of course, these alone are good reasons to visit Hungary. However, modern Hungary is a country with so much more than these famous cultural and historic staples. Everyday Hungarian life is still rich and varied, but perhaps doesn’t adhere to the more cultural stereotypes as much as one might expect. If you have plans to visit Hungary, it’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with Hungarian culture and etiquette before you depart, whether visiting for business or pleasure. Hungary is very diverse. Hungarians are humanistic thinkers and people-oriented, yet free-spirited, stubborn individualists. Hungarians respect people who know what they’re doing, but reject authoritarian rule. Hospitality entails an extraordinary effort to feed and care for guests. Guests are always encouraged to step into one's home first.

 

Family Structure

The family is the centre of the social structure. Generations of extended family often live together. The grandparents play an important role in helping raise the grandchildren. The family provides both emotional and financial support to its members. The family continues to be a source of personal comfort and reassurance in the face of worsening economic conditions. The traditional sense of family loyalty and responsibility also seems to have survived. Family members continued to help each other in finding jobs or housing, in gaining admission to schools, and in providing for each other in times of need.

 

Social Behaviour

Friends, family members, and close acquaintances who have not seen one another for a while greet and part from one another with pecks on both the left and right cheeks. Touching the hands, arms, and shoulders of partners in conversation is common. It is customary for a woman to offer her hand first both to men of all ages and to younger women and children. Differentiated formal terms of address are seldom used among younger people. Informal styles of greeting and terms of address are used from the moment of initial meeting. Considerably less time is spent visiting and socializing in coffeehouses and on the streets than in the past. Bodily contact is rather intimate on public transportation and in malls and shopping centres. In isolated rural settlements, villagers still stare at strangers. Bear in mind that Hungarians are not adverse to a spot of ‘people watching’ and openly studying people around them. For instance, if waiting as a bus stop or on the train, don’t be alarmed if you appear to be a subject of interest for someone else. Hungarians expect friends to share private and intimate details of their personal lives. If you ever feel you are being asked personal questions, this is simply meant as part of the getting-to-know-you process. Hungarians will even enjoy sharing details of their romantic life with you.

 

Gift Giving

When visiting a company it is not necessary to bring gifts. If invited to a Hungarian's home for a meal, bring a box of good chocolates, flowers or Western liquor. Do not bring wine as the Hungarians are proud of the wines they produce. Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is considered an unlucky number. Do not give lilies, chrysanthemums or red roses. Gifts are usually opened when received.

 

Dining Etiquette

If in the rare case you invited to a Hungarian's house, arrive on time if invited for dinner, although a 5-minute grace period is granted. If invited to a party or other large gathering, arrive no more than 30 minutes later than invited. You may be asked to remove your outdoor shoes before entering the house. Do not ask for a tour of the house. Table manners are formal in Hungary. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. The hostess will wish the guests a hearty appetite at the start of each course. Hospitality is measured by the amount and variety of food served. Try everything. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork across your plate. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate. The guest of honour usually proposes the first toast which generally salutes the health of the individuals present. At the end of the meal, someone toasts the hosts in appreciation of their hospitality. An empty glass is immediately refilled so if you do not want more to drink, leave your glass ½ full.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. On the streets, it is customary for men to walk on the left side of women, ostensibly because in the past gentlemen kept their swords on the left side and women had to be on the opposite side of the sword. A Hungarian man enters first into a pub, restaurant, coffeehouse, or other public establishment, yet leaves behind them, as an expression of protective politeness.

 2. Always say what you mean and maintain good eye contact.

3. Note that in the business world, Hungarians are much more reluctant to discuss family or private matters and may never share openly with their colleagues. Know the right topics to discuss. Avoid discussing business at dinner, which is a special time for relaxation. Sports, music or Hungarian food and wine are good conversation points. Stay away from discussing politics or religion.

4. In Hungary, men are expected to pay the wait staff. This is true even in cases when the woman is paying for both parties, or the bill is being split evenly. In such cases, do not be surprised (if you are a man) when your female companion hands you her wallet under the table, an act performed in the name of discretion. Alternately, accounting is done after the wait staff has left.