Today’s the day when you should wish your Hungarian friends named SÁNDOR (nickname SANYI, the Hungarian equivalent for Alexander or Alex) Happy Nameday. Do the same tomorrow with your friends named JÓZSEF (JÓZSI, JÓSKA, JOCÓ) and on the 21st March, BENEDEK or BENCE, the latter being the #1 most popular male name given to babies for the past five years. Hungarian folklore is abundant in weather forecast prophecies. One of the most popular ones is attached to these three name-days with the rhyme: SÁNDOR, JÓZSEF, BENEDEK, ZSÁKBAN HOZZÁK A MELEGET (Sándor-József-Benedek bring warm weather in a sack).

The word MELEG in Hungarian can be both an adjective or a noun, which makes the translation of the verse a bit difficult. Language learners should also be aware of the slippery nature of using MELEG as an adjective. If you want to say ’I feel hot’ use MELEGEM VAN (’I have warmness’) and definitely not the literal translation MELEG VAGYOK, unless you want to come out and share the news that you are gay.
The Hungarian name-day calendar is a good thing to have. Locals will appreciate your personal attention and a name-day is a great opportunity to maintain and encourage friendship.