Regölés
exhibition by Melinda McCarthy 2006
- Regölés
- An exhibition of artwork by Melinda McCarthy
- A Régös is a minstrel singing songs in which ancient tales hide.
As I have searched for my hidden past I have discovered fragments of mythology, folklore and everyday life in the songs of a beautiful culture with which I have been re-united.
Such a journey has been the inspiration leading to this exhibition, and so here I share with you stories I have been told, or about which I have read.
Within the images the story is written using “Róvásirás” the ancient script of Hungarian.
This exhibition is dedicated to all the beautiful people I have met on my travels to Hungary (friends and family) as they have opened their hearts and shared so much with me.
the artworks
The Stagg (csoda fia szarvas)
Great Wonderous Stagg, with horns of a thousand branches and knobs, and of a thousand bright candles. Amongst it’s horns it carries the light of the blessed sun. On it’s forhead is a star, on it’s chest the moon.
From old Hungarian(Csango) Rege.
The Dream of Emese
Legend says that Emese was visited by a Turul during a dream where she saw a clear stream flow from her into new lands and a tree of life full of kings. She then became mother of Álmos, father of Árpad the great leader of the Magyars.
The Turul on the Tree of Life
The Great Turul sits upon the tree of life. He sits with the other souls, watching over them as they grow strong.
Piper at the Crossroads
When you come to the crossroads, which will you choose?
Will you be fooled by charms and sell your soul or will you find another way?
Many cultures have including Hungarians, have the story of a musician going to the crossroads at minight to have their instrument charmed by either fairies or the devil.
But in return you must give something very important up!
(some of these stories also include trying to get around such a payment)
Weeping Mary (for whom do you cry)
In the city of Györ there is a church in which hangs a picture of Mary which cried tears of blood. People came from miles around to witness the great miracle. Whilst I looked upon this sweet little painting I could not help but wonder if anyone asked why or for whom she cried.
Busójárás
In February, these masks are worn, in a festivity to scare away winter and welcome spring as well as to celebrate the victory in the battle of Mohács.
Queen of the Heavens
The goddess had many different roles one of which it was believed was quickening the re-birth of the spirit of the dead
Rontóbábúk (healing dolls)
In Hungarian folk medicine, dolls were used to symbolically “carry the sickness away”. The dolls would be circled around the affected area and then thrown away in the moonlight at crossroads.
Sewing for a Dowry
In traditional Hungarian homes there is a ’best’ room, filled with beautifully embroidered linen, handed down to daughters as part of their dowry. This is the image of a mother creating for her daughter’s future.
Mary the Goddess
(boldog asszony)
Like most ancient cultures, the people of Hungary once prayed to goddesses. Boldog Asszony soon became associated with and replaced by Mary as many celebrations are performed in her honor.
My Story (because of a doll)
Because of a doll, I went on a long journey. Because of a doll, I found something special.
Orphan’s Lament
The wheat must grow ripe because it is warmed by the sun everyday. My hair my hair my every single hair, how much sorrow settled on it. I rest my head on that soil which will be so heavy for my mother.
From hungarian gypsy song
The Owl and the SkyLark
for Gabor and Szilvia
For my good friends in Komárom, who describe themselves as such.
Whose very soul is wine
I drink wine, my sweet angel not water, ‘cos this water does not cheer me up. Don’t be angry my sweet angel when you see this good wine has made me a little drunk
Locsolás (easter watering)
I roamed a green forest, I saw a blue violet, it was wanting to wither, is it OK to water ?
This is one of the many poems boys say to girls at easter right before they throw water at them! Girls then give them a painted egg!
The Shepherd who lost his flock
There are many songs in Hungary about the poor shepherd losing his flock!
Déli Bab
The goddess in the mirage of the noon sun
Hold Anyo
Old woman moon