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In the heart of Eurasia, Hungary is a country of beautiful scenery and unique culture. Thousands of miles away from the East, China, with a history of 5,000 years of civilization, has precipitated a rich history and culture. These two countries with very different customs and customs show amazing similarities in some aspects, as if they are "brothers" who have reunited after a thousand years of history.
What kind of country is Hungary?
Hungary is located in the middle of Europe, straddling the banks of the Danube River. It covers an area of about 93,000 square kilometers and is surrounded by seven countries: Romania, Ukraine, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. Since most of the country is plain, Hungary is often nicknamed the "basin of the Danube".
The Danube River runs through the country, dividing the capital city of Budapest into two sides, known as Buda and Pest on the east and west. Hungary is also home to many lakes and hot springs, among which Lake Balaton is known as the "Sea of Central Europe" due to its warm climate and vast shallows. Hungary's hot springs are world-renowned, and the capital Budapest has more than 100 hot springs, so it has the reputation of "the hot spring capital of the world".
The history of Hungary dates back to 896 AD, when the Hungarian tribes settled in the Carpathian Basin under the leadership of Alpad. The Kingdom of Hungary was officially established in 1000 after the coronation of King Stephen I of Hungary as the first king. One of the most glorious periods in Hungarian history was in the late Middle Ages between the 14th and 15th centuries, when the country was strong, culturally developed, and economically prosperous.
In 1526, the Kingdom of Hungary was defeated by the Ottoman Turks at the Battle of Mohax, and for the next 150 years, Hungary was occupied by the Turkish Empire. At the end of the 17th century, Hungary gradually became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after it was gradually freed from Turkish rule and placed under the administration of the Habsburgs. It was not until 1918, after the end of World War I, that the Austro-Hungarian Empire was dissolved, and Hungary became independent as its first republic, a period known as the "Brief Spring". However, as a result of the Treaty of Trianon, Hungary lost large swaths of its territory and its population was drastically reduced, which had a profound impact on the country.
In the 20th century, the history of Hungary was full of twists and turns. During World War II, Hungary initially tried to remain neutral, but was then forced to form an alliance with the Axis powers, a decision that ultimately dealt a devastating blow to the country. After the war, Hungary became a satellite of the Soviet Union and experienced more than forty years of communist rule, and it was not until the political changes of 1989 that Hungary began to transition to a multi-party system and a market economy. In 1999, Hungary joined NATO and officially became a member of the European Union in 2004. Driven by the great wheel of history, Hungary has long since shaken off the shadow of the past and is now a democratic and free country.
Hungary's similarities with the mainland
In Hungary, the family is the basic unit of society, and people attach great importance to family life, just as the Chinese emphasize "home and everything". In traditional festivals and major celebrations, both Hungarians and Chinese choose to return to their families to reunite with their loved ones and spend the night together. Family harmony and support are the goals pursued by the peoples of the two countries.
Food is an important part of culture and enjoys a high status in both Hungary and China. Hungary has its own unique gastronomic symbol, Hungarian spicy meat sauce, while China has eight world-famous cuisines. The inhabitants of both countries have high demands on the taste and quality of food, and the choice of ingredients, cooking methods and dining rituals play an important role in the culture of both countries. Whether it's a Hungarian village table or a Chinese family dinner, we can see the seriousness and enthusiasm of people before food.
Both Hungary and China have a long history and rich traditions. In Hungary, dances, folk songs and folk festivals, such as the Goose Watching Festival, are a reminder of history. Similarly, in China, in traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, lion dances, dragon dances and rituals reflect the Chinese's respect and inheritance of traditions. The people of both countries are proud of their history and carry on their traditions in their daily lives.
Hungarians are known for their hospitality, they are happy to entertain visitors from all over the world and impress their guests with their generosity and friendliness. Chinese people are also known for their warm and thoughtful hospitality, whether it is guests from afar or neighbors, you can feel the warmth of home. The national character of both countries contains elements of warmth, harmony and mutual assistance and friendship.
At the linguistic level, while there are significant differences between Hungarian and Chinese, it is interesting to note that the two languages have some striking similarities in pronunciation. For example, the Hungarian word for "is" (igen) is pronounced similarly to the Chinese word for "opinion," and the Hungarian word for "thank you" resonates with the Chinese word for "leaning on you" to some extent. These subtle linguistic connections, while not sufficient to prove a direct relationship between the two, add a touch of mystery to the Eurasian connection between the two peoples.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is famous for its abundant hot springs and many public baths, making it a famous "hot spring capital" in Europe. And in China, hot springs are also a way for people to pursue health and relaxation, from Hainan in the south to Harbin in the north, hot springs can be found all over the country. After a cold winter day or a stressful day at work, people in both countries like to soak in a pool of hot spring water to soothe their bodies and minds.
Hungarian musicians such as Liszt and Bartók are world-renowned and well-known and popular in China. On the other hand, traditional Chinese instruments, such as the guzheng and erhu, can also attract the ears and eyes of many people at concerts in Hungary. The exchange and cooperation between artists and musicians from the two countries has become a wonderful example of cultural integration.
Nowadays, Hungary has a deep relationship with China, and this Chinese cultural gene, which has been nourished by the long river of history, is becoming more and more distinct in the pulse of the Hungarians. Going back in time, after centuries of wind, frost, rain and snow, the sound of the hooves of the Mongols gradually resonated with the Hungarian land, giving birth to the unique national characteristics of the Hungarians. However, in the heart of this growing nation, the blood of ancient China has always flowed.
When the new China was reborn, despite its lack of resources, besieged by the indifference and blockade of the Western world, many capitalist countries tried to put a cold shackle on its cradle, but Hungary bravely chose to stand on the same side as China. Like a bubbling fountain in Europe, its upright and unique friendship has become a shining treasure of China among the few supporters, which we still cherish and cherish.
In the current international arena, the Russia-Ukraine conflict undoubtedly occupies the most critical position. However, at this sensitive moment, Hungary has chosen a different path. While the vast majority of countries have responded to the EU's call to support Ukraine, Hungary has made it clear that it refuses to join the aid bandwagon. More strikingly, Hungary unexpectedly became a strong opponent of the resolution when the EU's 26 member states acted in concert to suspend the EU-China trade agreement and put pressure on China. Their independent stance not only shows a clear divergence from mainstream European political forces, but also stirs up EU plans aimed at imposing sanctions against China.
epilogue
Hungary and China, although far apart, have various mysterious connections in the depths of their souls, like long-lost brothers reunited in a long history, and their cultures, Xi and values subtly show striking similarities that transcend time and space. These similarities not only amazed the two peoples, but also led them to deepen their understanding and weave together a story of friendship that will continue to endure.