Christian Tradition and the State – the Metamorphoses of the National Holiday of St. Stephen

Abstract

St Stephen's Day, the day of the founding of the state, is one of Hungary's 3 national holidays. It is celebrated on 20 August and, according to Article J of the Constitution of Hungary, commemorates the founding of the state and the historical life of King Stephen. It is currently the only official state holiday. This paper examines the feast of St. Stephen in the light of historical narrative and commemoration. The brief outlines the history of the feast and reviews the historical versions of the commemoration.