Hungarian Superstitions: Top 5 Quirks and Unwritten Rules

Hungary has plenty of small traditions that locals barely think about, but will definitely notice if you miss them. Some might leave international students confused, laughing, or even side-eyed at dinner. So here are five quirks every Hungarian knows, and you should too.

1. Skip clinking beer glasses

In Hungary, people traditionally avoid clinking beer glasses when toasting. The custom dates back to 1848, when Austrian generals reportedly celebrated Hungary’s defeat by banging their beer mugs together. Hungarians swore off clinking for 150 years, and while that’s long over, many people (especially older ones) still avoid it. Younger crowds don’t really care, but simply raising your glass is enough to dodge an awkward history lesson.

2. Don’t sit at the table corner

Superstition says that sitting at the corner of a table will bring you seven years of bad luck in love. Hungarians often jokingly warn their friends to switch seats to avoid this fate. So even if you don’t believe it, moving might earn you a laugh from your hosts.

3. No whistling indoors

Whistling inside a house is believed to attract evil spirits or even poverty. Many Hungarians will often half-jokingly hush the indoor whistler. But if you were to whistle a tune in a quiet family home, expect a prompt intervention from grandma.

4. Bread always goes face up

In Hungarian homes, bread is almost never placed upside down on the table. It’s low-key disrespectful, as bread has long symbolized life, food, and hard work. Most people will quietly flip it back out of habit, but it’s one of those small details that pops up in local life.

5. Don’t return plates empty

If someone gives you food here, you don’t hand back the plate or container empty. Throw in some chocolates or fruits in that tupperware and bet you will get another one soon. It's not exactly a superstition, but a common gesture of gratitude and reciprocity that can definitely earn you some brownie points with the locals.

6. Bonus

If you ever decide to build a house in Hungary, avoid painting it blue. It's traditionally seen as the color of water that could “wash away” the house’s wealth. And try not to have the front door face north, as it’s said to let in coldness and sadness. Totally useless, but fun to know!