Review article
Upon Christmas - Name of Jesus (2 January) in Croats Living in Hungary
Đuro Franković
; Pecs, Hungary
Abstract
Name od Jusus is, according to another liturgy tradition, a week between the New Year’s Eve and the feast day of Epiphany. Roman Catholic Croats in Hungary, together with Hungarians, just as Croats in Croatia, in everyday greeting use Praised be Jesus! Praised forever! Expressed in various forms, in many dialectal variants of this archaic expression, well-spread throughout catholic Central Europe, but not so much in western countries, or southern Europe. The name of Jesus is in use by Croats in Hungary from the old times, naturally in all occasions- when they seek His help, as each day begins with calling on to Him; no going to sleep without calling Him, especially children with their little prayers; sitting at a table, having a meal does not start before His name is mentioned; the bread , the first fruit or vegetable is not touched unless His blessed name is invoked; no ceremony or a ritual is practiced, without Him- baptism, wedding or funeral does not commence until the name of Jesus Christ is called upon and His blessing and help asked; anything that leads to happiness is impossible without Him. A number of Croatian folk prayers keep various layers of the heritage from our rich Christian tradition. Even the folk healing invokes the help of Jesus.
Keywords
name Jesus Christ; little prayers; ceremony; blessing; bread; Christian tradition; commence of work; gratitude; help; folk medicine; incantation
Hrčak ID:
77753
URI
Publication date:
1.11.2009.
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