Slide Collection

HUNGARIAN CUSTOMS (24 slides of Hungarian
Settlement, Livingston Parish) There is a cassette tape which goes
along with this series of slides.

Slide 1-

In order to preserve traditional customs, dances and foods,
the Hungarians in Albany, Louisiana have several festivals each
year. Young and old alike dress in native costumes and enjoy
Hungarian foods, music, and dances all day and into the night. This
cake is made in the colors of the Hungarian National flag, which
are red, green, and white. The people that settled the area south
of Albany boast the largest rural Hungarian colony in America. They
are proud of their heritage.

Slide 2-

Each year the descendants of the hearty pioneers practice
the intricate dance steps of the Czardas, Polkas, and Majurkas
dances handed down from father to son, mother to daughter to
celebrate that year’s harvest.

Slide 3-

The folk tunes of old melodies are played at the Harvest
Dance, at the Hungarian Spring Harvest Festival.

Slide 4-

The costumes for the dance are patterned after those still
used in Hungary. The Harvest Festival dates back to antiquity when
a Magyar ruler decreed a period of celebration and
thanksgiving.

Slide 5-

Young and old alike enjoy the music and dancing of the
Festival.

Slide 6-

The secrets of making genuine Hungarian goulash and kaposta
(stuffed cabbage) are shared for all to enjoy.

Slide 7-

Dr. Thomas Pinter adds his special talents to the making of
the stew. Dr. Pinter is not only a good cook, but also teaches the
Hungarian language to the children in the school.

Slide 8-

Many delicious cakes and pastries are prepared for the
Harvest Festival. This is an Hungarian pastry called CSOROGE
FA’NK.

Slide 9-

After dancing and eating, a turkey shoot is held as area
residents tests their marksmanship.

Slide 10-

To preserve their language, the Hungarians teach the
community children how to speak the native language. Ms. Madgi
Frettman came all the way from Hungary to help the children learn
to speak.

Slide 11-

The children in the community learn Hungarian songs and
dances to perform for the Moms and Dads.

Slide 12-

“First step with the right foot.” The dance steps are
passed on and learned early, as this young lady teaches her friend
the old folk dance.

Slide 13-

Cakes and cookies are treats for the young
dancers.

Slide 14-

A whole table of treats! Dancing sure is fun.

Slide 15-

Mom and Pop get their chance for a sugary treat after the
children. It won’t take long to enjoy the bountiful display
of cakes and cookies.

Slide 16-

Women teach their daughters the pretty floral patterns that
are embroidered. Each pattern has a special design, according to
the place in Hungary where it was made.

Slide 17-

These books are used to help teach Hungarian language and
customs to the children of the settlement.

Slide 18-

The hospitality is as warm as the rich coffee served by
Mrs. Frank Good. Here she offers some Dsoroge Fa’nk, an
Hungarian pastry.

Slide 19-

Hungarians brought with them many tools and useful objects
to help them tame the land. Here Mr. Good demonstrates how to use
the Hungarian scythe. The scythe is a long bladed instrument used
to cut grass, weeds, or even wheat. Hard muscles power this early
mower.

Slide 20-

Mr. George Lezu wears an Hungarian Cowboy Hat. The bowl
shape of the hat is useful for bringing water to thirsty horses. It
is called Hortabagy sciko’s kalap in Hungarian and is worn
today mainly for celebrations and festivals in Hungary.

Slide 21-

These clay pipes are for smoking tobacco and were made in
Hungary in 1842. Three wagon loads of pipes were buried because at
that time, a law was passed forbidding the use of tobacco.

Slide 22-

Clay ovens, known as a Kemence, were used to bake bread
outdoors before gas and electric ovens took their place. The ovens
are no longer used to bake bread, but one or two may still be seen
on one of the older farms.