Some of you may know I am of Hungarian descent. I am sort of behind when it comes to learning traditions, as Hungary was an Eastern Block country when I was growing up and there was not an explicit amount of information being shared with the Western world. My granparents were both born into first generation immigrant families near the turn of the twentieth century, so a lot of tradition was sort of lost.
What I did know is that I grew up in a rather strict home, and my Dad loved to cook. I grew up on things like Chicken Paprika, Stuffed Cabbage, and Goulash, never knowing they were traditional Hungarian dishes. I never had the opportunity to discover the language, or know that some of the things I grew up with did have traditional backgrounds. Thinking about it now, it makes sense that having learned from his parents, there would have been strong ties, but there was no chance to explore that before my grandparents had passed.
Dad passed only nine years after the fall of the Soviet Union, so it's doubtful he had much of a chance to discover some of the culture, and traditions, including the fact that his birthday fell on a National Holiday. Yes, today is Dad's birthday.
Hungary, (Magyarország) was founded by St István the First, over a thousand years ago, and has a very rich history that I am just now getting to discover. His passing on this day in 1038, marks what is now State Foundation Day. I wish that Dad had the opportunity to discover it as well, especially finding out that is his birthday is such an important date
My original plan was to have been there in person to celebrate Dad's eightieth in Hungary, but I will have to set my sights on next year's celebration and spend this year at home. Next year, if I can manage to stay focused, and hold my self accountable, I will get to visit and take part in another tradition on this day, the blessing and breaking of fresh bread. I look forward to it.
Happy Foundation Day, and Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you.