Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 96, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1911 — Easter Betrothals in Hungary [ARTICLE]

Easter Betrothals in Hungary

During the first centuries of the Christian church, Easter was celebrated on the same day of the Jewish Passover, because Christ rose from the dead on that day. In the early days of the church Easter was the favorite time for performing miracle plays; priests became actors, and the churches, theaters for the time being. One of the most popular of the mystery plays is based upon the cowardice of Pilate in condemning Jesus. "Three days after the death of Christ,” runs the old legend, "the pious women of Jerusalem came in a crowd to the palace of the great ruler and hurled bitter reproaches at him for his cowardice. Pilate retired to the innermost part of the palace to escape their reproaches. S t till the voices of the women reached him, erying, ‘Coward!’ At last Pilate became so infuriated at their cries that he ordered the pretorlans to drive them out by throwing water on them. This seemed effective, for the mob dispersed and quiet was restored. But to the horror and consternation of Pilate, as 'he passed from his palace and entered the streets of Jerusalem, the cry of ‘Coward’ filled the

air as if from a thousand tongues. “Nature herself takes up the curse, and a sudden shower breaks, in which every drop of rain calls the wretched man ‘Coward!’ The , ocean, the sea and the rivers take part in the • great demonstration, and the word coward wrung from the heart of nature herself ceases not to ring In Pilate’s ear until death frees him from the curse.” From the legend springs a curious custom practiced In Hungary on Easter Monday. At dawn the men of the village wait for the maidens of their choice to appear; as each sees the maiden of his heart he runs after her, and drags her, shrieking and protesting, to the nearest fountain or well, where he proceeds to drench her liberally with water. Thoroughly drenched, the maiden la supposed to pay for the courtesy with a kiss. Often she breaks away from her tormentor, and there is a hot and merry chase until she is captured. Of course, she is soon caught and is usually a willing victim, for this is one of the Magyar betrothal customs, and an early marriage follows the rite.