Episode 110
Hello friends, and welcome back to The Hungarian Living Podcast! I’m Liz, and today we’re talking about something that’s very close to my heart – the tradition of name days. And if you are listening to this episode on November 19th then you are hearing it on the name day for Elizabeth or Erzsébet, as celebrated in Hungary!
Before we dive in, I want to share a memory with you. For years after I moved away from home, my phone would ring on November 19th. I’d pick up, and there would be my mom’s voice: “Boldog névnapot, Liz!” Happy Name Day. It was her way of staying connected to me, of reminding me of our heritage, even when we were miles apart.
So what exactly is a name day? In Hungary, we don’t just celebrate birthdays – we celebrate name days too. Every name has a designated day on the calendar, picked mainly based on religious traditions and historical events.
These days are celebrated in the workplace, among friends, everywhere really. The traditional gifts are simple but meaningful: women typically receive flowers, men get a bottle of wine, and children might receive a small toy.
And here’s what I love about it – there’s no focus on age. No one’s counting candles or worrying about getting older. It’s just a celebration of who you are, of your name, of you.
November 19 is the name day for Elizabeth, particularly in Hungary, where it is a prestigious name. November 17 is the feast day of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and in some Christian traditions, a name day is observed on the same day as a saint’s feast day.
- November 17: Celebrated as the feast day of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. In some cultures, a name day can be observed on the same date as the feast day of a saint.
- November 19: Celebrated as the name day for Elizabeth, especially in Hungary.
Just a quick review of St. Elizabeth of Hungary:
From a young age Elizabeth showed a propensity for prayer and good works. Even though Elizabeth was involved in royal life she had a love for the poor. Without shirking her duties as a wife and mother Elizabeth the queen visited the poor twice daily, morning and evening. She spent all of her revenue from her husband’s principalities on the poor. She even built a hospital for the poor. She was known for taking food and clothing to the poor, carrying the sick on her back, and selling her royal gowns to further assist the poor of her husband’s kingdom.
Though Louis supported Elizabeth’s works of charity, many in the royal court did not. She often suffered ridicule by the court. Consequently, she often left the castle inconspicuously each day. On one occasion, as she set out to work with the poor the King surprised her. On unveiling her mantle where she carried bread for the poor, the King saw only roses. Often when you see a statue of Saint Elizabeth you will see a loaf of bread as well as roses.
SECTION 2: The Personal Discovery (Story/Connection)
You know, when I was younger, I remember talking with friends about name days and being genuinely surprised that they didn’t know about them. I thought everyone did! That was one of those moments where I realized – oh, this is a Hungarian thing. This is part of what makes us special.
My mom made sure we never forgot it. Even though we didn’t make a huge production out of our shared name day, she always acknowledged it. When I lived near her she would remind me. Maybe she would get me a little treat. And when I lived in Nebraska, she would mention it in a phone call. Looking back now, I realize what a gift that was. She was keeping our heritage alive through these small, consistent acts of love.
IF you have been given a Hungarian name, check out the link to the name day calendar and find your name day. Sometimes there are two different days, but that is not very often.
And – you don’t have to have been given a Hungarian name at birth to celebrate this tradition.
Here’s what I suggest: Have your family members pick out their favorite Hungarian name and adopt it as a nickname. Maybe it is a name that shows up in your family line. Maybe it is the Hungarian version of your name. Look up when that name day falls
Then start celebrating!
How might you celebrate? Here are some ideas:
- Read a Hungarian folk tale
- Cook a special Hungarian recipe as a family
- Give a small gift with a Hungarian theme – maybe something from The Hungarian Store!
- Simply make a phone call, like my mom did, to someone you care about on their name day
The point is to use this as a touchpoint, a reminder of your Hungarian heritage throughout the year.
You know, when I think about my mom starting Magyar Marketing 37 years ago, and those phone calls she made every November 19th, I see the same thread running through both. She understood something important: heritage isn’t just about knowing your history. It’s about living it, celebrating it, passing it on through everyday moments.
That’s what name days give us – permission to celebrate our heritage in small, joyful ways throughout the year. Not just on major holidays, but on ordinary Tuesdays and Thursdays. On November 19th. On whatever day your name falls.
So here’s my challenge to you: Look up your name day. If your given name isn’t Hungarian, pick a Hungarian name you love. Mark it on your calendar. And then, celebrate it.
Call someone you love. Cook something delicious. Light a candle and say “Boldog névnapot” to yourself.
These small traditions matter. They’re how we stay connected – to our heritage, to our families, to each other.
Check the Link to a name day calendar! And hey, if your name day is November 19th like mine, feel free to reach out and we can celebrate together!
Until next time! Keep discovering, celebrating, and sharing your Hungarian heritage.
