Colors of Hungary (I)

　　A doll dressed in Hungarian folk costume. This is t he most popular and the sort of souvenir the tourists t ake home from Hungary—the colors of unique charm, the d olls enchant. But only a few people know that not only is this wonderful item, the folk doll, available on the shelf of souvenir shops among the cold walls of museums , but it is also a living reality.

　　It is visible, tangible and can be experienced. It is a rarity, which has not disappeared in the modern li fe.

　　Holloko Wedding

　　Holloko, possibly the most charming Hungarian villa ge in the mountains of the northeast, is also part of t he world heritage. Local people as well as tourists can admire age-old wedding ceremonies of this region. The b ride's trousseau is transported along the main street f or the whole world to see all the brightly decorated st uff. A sign of the family's wealth. Tradition also call s for a joined community effort to make the newly weds anticipate for many children to come. In the meantime, the audience listens to the bride and bridegroom's fare well ceremony. After the groom's first visit, spectator s can witness the most splendid art of the wedding, the adornment of the bride. Particular preparation along ye ars of effort brings to life the memorable moments. The number of underskirts could even reach a hundred. The m arvelously embroidered wedding dress revives the atmosp here and sophisticated taste of the past times. The cou ple walks to the church hand in hand, and the village s cene recreates the picturesque background for the festi val procession. Folk traditions are closely associated with milestones of human life, birth, priest, marriage and death. The whole village shares each other's happin ess and grief. And these community events help people f orget the monotony of everyday life for just a little w hile. In most Hungarian villages, weddings take place i n the same way, even today. But for travelers, they can also feel the reality and magic of the moment.