‘This article’s theme revolves around statues, the statues received from Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Franz Joseph I…Supposedly, when the Emperor was visiting after the city reached its most beautiful form, he admired the streets but found a lack of statues…Thus, he commissioned the creation of the grand gifts.’

‘Handwriting, it seems, has fallen out of fashion along with many everyday practices that require time, skill, and patience—much like other traditional arts that aim to create something beautiful. Admittedly, handwriting is time-consuming, especially when using an elegant cursive script. Yet it is also a personal expression, often reflecting a culture and a moment in time.’

Since Hungary is a landlocked nation in the heart of Europe, some of these Christmas traditions might be found in other countries.

‘Arany’s legacy lives on nationally and internationally as someone who spoke for a nation in a moment of deep peril and despair.’