Changing traditions

Abstract

The alarm-bell has been sounded many times over our traditions. It is true that our traditional culture has undergone serious changes, but it seems that the time for the funeral has not yet come. What direction is indicated by these changes? The proportion of old-style melodies is much less than a hundred years ago, whereas newer-style folk songs, and in particular 'artificial' folk songs, have become much more popular. The endeavors of professionals to influence or reverse this process have been a failure. Their aspirations mostly do not meet the needs of small communities. In the folk music and folk dance movement, business interest and self-promotion have proliferated. This approach is completely contrary to the features of traditional culture and the ancient Hungarian mentality. Only through service to the community, and by personal example, can we make progress in helping our people find their way back to their own soul.