Oscar is delivering mail
Oscar is a newsletter delivery owl, and he would be happy to include your address to his route.
You can read the newsletters, and subscribe to the next delivery.
A Group of Authors Writing Stories for Your Entertainment
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
The Language of Dogs
Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system
Dogs are constantly “talking,” and they read each other’s signals faster than humans can. Their interactions are like a dance of subtle cues and responses.
Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system that goes far beyond barking. Their “language” is a blend of body signals, vocalizations, scent cues, and subtle facial expressions. Here’s a breakdown of how they connect with one another:
Primary Modes of Dog Communication
Body Language
Tail position and movement: A high, stiff tail can signal alertness or dominance; a relaxed wag often means friendliness. Interestingly, wagging more to the right suggests positive emotions, while wagging to the left may indicate uncertainty.
Posture: Standing tall with forward weight can be assertive; crouching or rolling over shows submission or playfulness. Hackles (raised fur): Not always aggression, can signal excitement or fear.
Facial Expressions & Eye Contact: Soft eyes and a relaxed mouth indicate calmness and comfort. Tense lips, narrowed eyes, or a snarl: Signals discomfort or threat. Avoiding eye contact: A calming signal to defuse tension. Submissive grin: Some dogs flash their teeth in a goofy, friendly way, not aggression.
Vocalizations
Barking: Can express excitement, alertness, or a warning.
Growling: Often a warning, but can also occur during play.
Whining or whimpering: Signals distress, anxiety, or a desire for attention.
Howling: A form of long-distance communication or emotional expression.
Scent & Pheromones
Dogs sniff each other’s urine, feces, and bodies to gather info about age, sex, health, and emotional state. Scent marking helps establish territory and social hierarchy.
Touch
Playful nudges, pawing, or gentle mouthing can be affectionate or part of social play. Mounting could be sexual, but it can be about dominance or excitement.
Now that we know how dogs really communicate, watch this fun with Flipper and his buddy, Gypsy.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
The Cat Who Loved Bedtime Stories
Marmalade the orange cat
As a child, I had an orange tabby called Marmalade. She loved the outdoors and often climbed up on the trees chasing squirrels or birds. However, every time forgetting she had fear of hights, I had to climb up after her and help her down.
Each night, she would curl up by my side each night, softly purring as I read aloud from dog-eared storybooks until we both drifted to sleep.
Though Marmalade has been gone for many years now, I still feel the phantom weight of her against my side whenever I open a book at bedtime.
I've been writing stories for growups and children for over a decade now, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com/ and I'm sure Marmalade would love to listen to this story.
In Spanish and English
Message from a father:
“I received a copy of this book before publishing, and I can honestly say that this is by far the best children's story I ever read to my seven-years-old son. He hung onto every word and displayed a wide range of emotions throughout the story such as sadness, fear, excitement, and sheer joy. What I value most is when we finished the book he said to me, "Dad, I wish I had a dog like Peanut." At first, I thought that he's just like any other little boy is wishing for a dog, but then seeing his unusually sad expression, I asked him why he wants a dog like the one in the story. He said, "Because a dog like Peanut could save me from Connor." My heart jumped into my throat because I never noticed any sign that my son was bullied. When I asked him why he didn't tell us before, he said because he thought I would be mad at him not being able to defend himself. This story encouraged him to tell me and we are working on solving his problem together.” ~Brian VanBramer
Another cute cat, his name is Henry
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Fascinating Native American Mythology
Star People, Sky Beings, spiritual messengers
Native American mythology is rich with stories of celestial beings, often interpreted today as “alien visitors” but traditionally understood as Star People, Sky Beings, or spiritual messengers. These legends span many tribes and are deeply woven into cosmology, ritual, and ancestral memory.
“Star People” in Indigenous Lore
Many tribes describe encounters with beings from the stars, not as invaders or sci-fi aliens, but as benevolent guides, teachers, or guardians:
Hopi traditions speak of ancestors who were visited by Star People who imparted wisdom and helped shape their spiritual practices. Some Hopi elders have claimed extraterrestrials influenced their history and cosmology.
Lakota cosmology includes visions by Black Elk, a revered medicine man, that some interpret as describing contact with otherworldly beings. Star systems are seen as spiritual realms, not just physical places.
Zuni legends recount transformative encounters with sky beings, infusing their rituals with cosmic significance.
Iroquois and Algonquin stories include references to beings descending from the sky in “flying canoes” or “shining vessels,” often linked to divine or heroic figures.
These beings are often described with reverence, not fear, suggesting a spiritual or symbolic role rather than literal extraterrestrial visitation.
Myth or Memory?
Some modern interpretations, especially from Ancient Astronaut theorists, suggest these stories may reflect actual encounters with extraterrestrials.
For example:
A tale from AncientPages.com describes Star People rescuing humans in a way that seems to defy the technological limits of the time.
Legends like Tarenyawagon, who ascended to the stars in a “fast flying shining canoe,” are sometimes reinterpreted as ancient descriptions of spacecraft.
But within Native traditions, these stories are rarely framed as “alien” in the modern sense, they’re spiritual, symbolic, and deeply cultural.
Cultural Significance
Rather than asking “Did aliens visit?” many Native perspectives focus on what these beings represent:
Connection to the cosmos:
The stars are not distant, they’re part of the spiritual landscape.
Wisdom and guidance:
Star People often bring teachings, warnings, or healing.
Ancestral memory:
These stories preserve identity, values, and cosmological understanding.
A Prolific Writer
Erika M Szabo, a prolific and talented author
with a fierce intellect and a penchant for exploring uncharted territories, is
a woman of many skills and passions. She is known for her diverse range of
writings that span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet
romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both evocative and
visceral, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions with
a few deft strokes of her pen.
Born in a small town nestled among the rolling hills of Hungary, Erika grew up
with a deep love for literature and storytelling. She devoured books from a
young age and soon began creating her own intricate worlds and characters. Her
gift for storytelling is evident to all those who know her, and she is
encouraged to pursue her passion.
As she grew older, Erika's thirst for adventure and new experiences led her to
travel the world. She lived in various countries, soaking up their cultures and
traditions, and incorporating them into her writing. Her travels also allowed
her to meet a diverse array of people, whose stories and perspectives she wove
into her novels.
Despite her literary success and acclaim, Erika remains a humble and
down-to-earth person. She often speaks of her belief in the power of words to
connect and heal, and her writing reflects this deep empathy and understanding
of human experience.
Sunday, September 21, 2025
About the Remake of Harry Potter
Are we a little too sceptical?
It’s a bold move, and whether it’s a good idea depends on what you value most about the franchise. In my humble opinion, the casting was brilliant in the Harry Potter series adapted from the J. K. Rowling novels, and the scenes and techniques are truly magical. For now, I'm partial to the original cast, but perhaps when I see the first episode of the remake, I'll change my mind.
Why a Remake Could Work
More Faithful Adaptation:
A TV series format allows for deeper storytelling. Chris Columbus, who directed the first two films, said he’s excited about the remake because it can include scenes and details that had to be cut from the movies.
New Generation Appeal:
Younger audiences who didn’t grow up with the original films might connect more with a modern retelling.
Expanded Universe Potential:
HBO could use the series to build out side stories, character arcs, and magical lore that were only hinted at before.
Why It Might Be Risky
The Originals Are Iconic:
The original films made over $7.7 billion globally and are beloved by fans. Remaking something that successful risks backlash.
With spin-offs like Fantastic Beasts receiving mixed reviews, some fans worry about overextending the brand.
High Expectations:
Fans are protective of the source material, and any deviation or misstep could be harshly criticized.
Ultimately, it’s not about replacing the originals
It’s about reimagining them for a new format and audience. If done with care and creativity, it could be magical. But if it feels like a cash grab, the spell might break.
Remakes tend to stir up strong opinions, and not always the good kind. Here are the most common criticisms that swirl around them:
Lack of Originality
Critics often argue that remakes reflect a creative drought in Hollywood.
Studios may rely on familiar titles instead of taking risks on new stories, which can stifle innovation.
Profit Over Passion
Many remakes are seen as cash grabs, banking on nostalgia rather than artistic merit.
Familiar IPs are considered safer bets for box office returns, even if the remake lacks soul.
Dilution of the Original
Remakes sometimes fail to capture the essence of what made the original special.
Changes to plot, tone, or casting can alienate fans and diminish emotional impact.
Poor Critical Reception
Statistically, remakes tend to score lower on review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes.
One study showed that remakes averaged a 47% Tomatometer score, while originals averaged 81%.
Miscasting or Misinterpretation
Iconic roles are hard to recast—audiences often struggle to accept new actors in beloved parts.
If the remake shifts the tone or theme too much, it can feel disconnected or disrespectful to the original.
Of course, not all remakes are doomed to fail. Films like The Departed and A Star Is Born prove that with the right vision, a remake can shine. But when studios prioritize familiarity over freshness, audiences tend to notice, and not in a good way.
What do you think? Could the remake be a success?
Although this book is no Harry Potter
But still a fun read for kids who like Halloween
Friday, September 19, 2025
The Dangers of Letting Your Dog Lick Your Face
Why does your dog lick your face?
Dogs lick your face for a mix of instinctual, emotional, and social reasons—it's their version of a Swiss Army knife for communication. Here's what might be going on behind that slobbery affection:
Instinct & Ancestry
In the wild, pups lick their mother’s face to encourage her to regurgitate food. This behavior carries over into adulthood as a sign of submission or bonding.
Licking is a way dogs signal friendliness and non-aggression. It’s like saying, “I come in peace.”
Affection & Bonding:
Canine Kisses:
Many dogs lick to show love. It’s often interpreted as a sign of affection, especially if they’re relaxed and wagging their tail.
Learned Behavior:
If you respond with petting or praise, your dog learns that licking gets positive attention—so they keep doing it.
Taste & Curiosity
You Taste Interesting:
Your skin might carry traces of food, sweat, or lotion that intrigues your dog’s sensitive nose and tongue.
Exploration: Dogs use their mouths to explore the world. Licking is part of that sensory toolkit.
Emotional Signals
Stress or Anxiety:
Some dogs lick compulsively when they’re anxious. If it’s excessive or paired with other signs of stress, it might be worth checking in with a vet.
Licking can be a calming signal, especially if your dog feels uncertain or wants to defuse tension.
Health risks
Letting your dog lick your face might feel affectionate, but it can carry some health risks—especially if the lick lands near your mouth, nose, or eyes. Here are some diseases and infections that can potentially be transmitted through dog saliva:
Bacterial Infections
A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Can lead to skin infections or more serious complications if it enters the bloodstream.
Causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps; more common in puppies.
Salmonella & E. coli:
These bacteria can be present in a dog’s mouth if they’ve eaten contaminated food or feces.
Parasitic Infections
A parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Roundworms & Flatworms:
These can be transmitted if your dog hasn’t been properly dewormed.
A parasite passed through dog feces that can cause fever, coughing, and even vision problems.
Viral Infections
Rabies: Extremely rare in vaccinated dogs, but still a concern in areas with poor vaccination coverage2.
Fungal Infections
Despite the name, it’s a fungal infection that can cause itchy, ring-shaped rashes.
The risk increases if:
Your dog is not vaccinated or dewormed
They’ve been exposed to other animals or poor hygiene
You have a weakened immune system or open wounds on your face
So while those slobbery kisses are sweet, it’s safest to keep them away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Training your dog to stop licking
Training your dog to stop licking, especially if it’s excessive or directed at your face, it takes consistency, patience, and a little behavioral insight.
Step-by-Step Training Tips
Ignore the Behavior
When your dog licks you, calmly stand up and walk away.
Don’t scold or react emotionally—any attention (even negative) can reinforce the behavior.
Redirect with a Command
Teach a simple command like “sit” or “down.”
When they start licking, use the command and reward them for obeying instead of licking.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise and treat your dog when they choose not to lick.
Reinforce calm, non-licking behavior consistently.
Provide Distractions
Offer chew toys, puzzle feeders, or playtime to redirect energy and anxiety.
Mental stimulation can reduce compulsive behaviors like licking.
Set Boundaries
If your dog licks furniture or objects, use bitter-tasting sprays (safe for pets) to discourage it.
Be consistent with what’s off-limits.
Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) can help reduce anxiety-driven licking.
Consult a Vet or Trainer
If licking is obsessive or sudden, it could signal a medical or emotional issue.
A professional can help rule out underlying causes and offer tailored strategies.
My dog is a thief
Enjoy the short story written by author Erika M Szabo, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com
Read by narrator Carrie Wimmer, https://www.narrationnation.org
I hope you found this information useful and enjoyed Lucky's story. Let me know in comments.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Full-body Workout for your Brain
What does reading do to your brain
Reading is like a full-body workout for your brain, except instead of lifting weights, you're lifting ideas, emotions, and entire worlds. Here's how it transforms your mind:
1. Strengthens Brain Structure
Reading activates multiple brain regions, including:
Temporal lobe: for decoding sounds and phonological awareness
Broca’s area: for speech production and language comprehension
Angular and supramarginal gyrus: for linking visual symbols to meaning
It also enhances white matter connectivity, which improves communication between different brain areas, like building faster highways for information.
2. Boosts Neuroplasticity
Reading encourages the brain to form new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones.
This adaptability improves memory, learning, and problem-solving over time.
3. Improves Cognitive Function
Enhances vocabulary, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
Strengthens working memory as you track plots, characters, and ideas.
Builds concentration and attention span, especially when reading long-form content.
4. Increases Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Reading literary fiction helps develop the “theory of mind”—the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.
This makes you more attuned to social cues and better at navigating relationships.
5. Protects Against Cognitive Decline
Regular reading is linked to slower cognitive aging and reduced risk of dementia.
Older adults who read frequently show better mental resilience and memory retention.
6. Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep
Reading can lower cortisol levels and help you unwind.
Print books (especially fiction) are great for bedtime routines, promoting deeper sleep.
In short, reading doesn’t just entertain, it rewires your brain, sharpens your mind, and deepens your humanity.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Folk Art Symbolism Part 1
The meaning of symbols
I've always been fascinated by folk art and the meaning of the symbols. These symbols are not just decorative, they carry deep cultural meaning, often tied to nature, spirituality, and identity.
Scandinavian rosemaling
Swirling floral motifs often seen in Norwegian and Swedish decorative painting.
Symbolism & Meaning:
Nature’s Whimsy:
The floral motifs and curling vines reflect a deep connection to the natural world, especially Norway’s lush valleys and fjords.
Joy & Resilience:
Bright colors and dynamic shapes were used to bring warmth and cheer to homes during long, dark winters.
Cultural Identity:
Each region developed its own style, almost like a visual dialect. These designs became emblems of local pride and heritage.
Baltic pagan symbols
The fire cross and sun spiral, rich in ancestral and seasonal significance.
Symbolism:
Fire & Thunder:
Represents the elemental force of fire and the power of storms
Sun & Light:
Associated with the sun’s energy and the triumph of light over darkness
Protection:
Used as a talisman to ward off evil and misfortune
Happiness & Vitality:
Symbolizes life force, joy, and cosmic balance
Despite its visual similarity to the swastika, the Fire Cross predates its appropriation by millennia and holds entirely different cultural and spiritual meaning in Baltic tradition.
Hungarian Kalocsa embroidery
Vibrant floral patterns with bold reds, yellows, and blues.
Symbolism:
Joy & Celebration:
The explosion of colors—reds, pinks, yellows, blues—represents happiness, youth, and the vibrancy of life. These motifs are often used in wedding attire and festive garments.
Seasonal Renewal:
The floral designs evoke spring and summer, symbolizing fertility, growth, and the renewal of nature.
Generational Identity:
Color palettes vary by age and status. For example: Bright, pastel colors for young women and brides
Muted “sad colors” (lavender, purple) for widows or older women.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Adult Age Kids Cutting Off Their Parents
There’s a rising trend in our culture
I had a long chat with a friend from nursing school, and she discussed the difficulties she and her husband are experiencing with keeping in touch with their grown children.
After a long and detailed discussion we concluded:
There’s a rising trend in our culture that very few people notice and think about: adult-age children cutting off their parents.
I’m not talking about abuse situations or dangerous relationships.
I’m talking about loving, flawed parents who raised their children, gave sacrificially, and are now being completely shut out with no warning, no conversation, and no willingness to reconcile.
I looked into this, and according to research, the vast majority of estrangements between parents and adult children are initiated by the child, not the parent.
Often, the parent doesn’t even fully know why. One day, the phone calls stop. The texts go unanswered. The holidays are silent. And when you finally hear something, it’s often a list of offenses you didn’t even know existed.
Why is this happening?
Because our culture now teaches that anyone who doesn’t “support how you feel” is toxic. Therapy-speak has replaced honor. Social site influencers and pop psychology encourage cutting people off as an act of self-love.
Many adult-aged children are now rewriting their childhoods, relabeling boundaries as trauma, and tossing aside their parents like disposable relationships.
This is rebellion. It’s spiritual deception. It’s pride disguised as empowerment.
If you’re a parent and going through this, you’re not alone.
You’re not crazy. And you’re not a failure as a parent. The goal is to target families, and this is one of his most effective tools right now: deception and division.
You, as parents, still have something to give. Love, advice, presence. Not perfection but something real. And now it just sits there, wasted. Not because you've failed, but because your children are eager to take advice from popular trends and have decided you are no longer worth the effort.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Love Potion or Potion of Shadows?
Can we control the unpredictable nature of love?
Love potions are a fascinating blend of folklore, chemistry, and cultural psychology. Their history is as rich and layered as any mythic tale, with roots stretching across continents and centuries.
Ancient Origins
Ancient Greece:
The earliest known love potions, called philtres, were used to stir desire or bind affection. The physician Xenocrates (3rd century BCE) recommended mallow sap for arousing women, while Dioscorides wrote of mandrake root steeped in wine as a seductive aid.
Rome:
Love potions were sold in the Sabura district, accessible even to common folk. Recipes included aphrodisiac seafood like oysters and cuttlefish. The poet Lucretius was allegedly driven mad by one such potion.
India:
The Kama Sutra (3rd century BCE) offered instructions for seduction, including playing a reed pipe treated with plant juices to ignite passion.
Islamic Golden Age:
Avicenna (Ibn Sina) described love brews made of honey, pepper, and ginger. These were part of a broader tradition of erotic manuals like The Perfumed Garden.
Magic, Myth, and Alchemy
Witchcraft & Sorcery:
In European folklore, witches were often said to concoct love potions using herbs like mandrake, henbane, and satyrion (possibly the orchis plant). These ingredients were believed to have mystical properties due to their anthropomorphic shapes or intoxicating effects.
Alchemy:
Medieval alchemists saw love potions as part of their quest for transformation—both physical and spiritual. The idea of manipulating emotion through chemistry was deeply tied to the search for the elixir of life.
Sensory Seduction
Egypt, Greece, Rome:
Fragrances played a huge role in seduction. Botanical oils like jasmine, rose, and patchouli were used in perfumes, massage oils, and ceremonial headdresses.
Modern Aromatherapy:
Today, essential oils are still used to evoke romantic moods. Scents like ylang ylang and sandalwood stimulate the limbic system, which governs emotion and memory.
Love Potions in Fantasy Literature
A young adult fantasy
A love potion made with haste out of jealousy puts Dorian into a comalike state. A rare orchid that blooms only once a year could save his life, but Liam and his werewolf pack fiercely guard the precious flowers. The acolytes of the coven are forbidden to enter the forest, and the young apprentices volunteer to make the journey that will test their loyalty and courage. Will they succeed?
Read more:
Friday, August 29, 2025
The impact of teasing and bullying
Teasing children about their size, weight, height, or body shape, can have deep and lasting psychological effects. What might seem like a passing comment to an adult can become a defining wound for a child.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Lowered self-esteem:
Children often internalize teasing, leading them to feel abnormal, ashamed, or unworthy—even if there's no objective reason to feel that way.
Distorted self-image:
Remarks like “looks like someone’s getting a belly” or “are you sure you want to eat that?” can warp a child’s perception of their body, regardless of their actual health.
Increased risk of anxiety and depression:
Repeated teasing—especially from family members—can heighten emotional distress and contribute to long-term mental health issues.
Avoidance behaviors:
Kids may withdraw from physical activities, social situations, or even school to escape environments where they feel vulnerable.
Behavioral Consequences
Bullying others:
Some children cope by redirecting their pain, becoming bullies themselves to feel a sense of control.
Disordered eating:
Shame around food and body image can lead to unhealthy relationships with eating, either restriction or bingeing.
Family Teasing:
Especially Harmful. Comments from parents or relatives—even if well-intentioned—can be more damaging than peer teasing. Children often view family as their emotional compass, so teasing from loved ones can feel like a betrayal.
What Helps
Affirmation and support:
Reinforcing that every body is worthy and teasing is never okay.
Open dialogue:
Encouraging kids to talk about their feelings and experiences.
Modeling healthy behavior:
Adults should avoid moralizing food or body types and instead promote kindness and self-acceptance.
The story of Lucky, the bullied little monkey
https://books2read.com/u/mdzw2d
Lucky, the sweet-natured little monkey, was teased and bullied by the animals who didn't take time to get to know her. They said she was a dumpy, chunky, silly, scaredy, grumpy, clumsy monkey. Lucky was sad, but when her friend told her that instead of feeling miserable, she should listen to others who knew her and said she was a kind, lovely, cuddly, bubbly, spunky monkey.
More books from Erika
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Can I Really Read Your Mind?
Is mind reading possible?
Mind reading, at least in the real-world psychological sense, is less about telepathy and more about decoding subtle cues to understand what someone else might be thinking or feeling. It’s a fascinating blend of empathy, intuition, and cognitive science. Let’s break it down:
What Is Mind Reading?
This is the scientific term for how well we can infer others’ thoughts and emotions based on their behavior, tone, and body language.
A related concept that refers to our ability to understand others’ mental states—like knowing someone is lying or being sarcastic.
Not Telepathy:
Despite sci-fi portrayals, real mind reading doesn’t involve supernatural powers. It’s about interpreting signals and context.
How We “Read” Minds
Happy faces tend to form a “V” shape (eyebrows and mouth up), while angry ones form an “X” (eyebrows and mouth down).
Lip biting, crossed arms, or a tilted head can reveal hesitation, defensiveness, or curiosity.
Our bodies often react to others before our brains catch up—like feeling uneasy around someone who seems untrustworthy.
Mind Reading:
Thoughts & Intentions “She knows where the cookies are.”
Empathy:
Emotions & Feelings: “She’d feel sad if the cookies were gone.”
When Mind Reading Goes Wrong
In CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), “mind reading” can refer to a distortion, assuming you know what others think without evidence. This often fuels anxiety or low self-esteem.
In relationships, people may misinterpret their partner’s feelings based on their own emotional biases.
Mind reading in the world of fantasy
I've played with the idea of supernatural abilities such as mind reading, and the result of these line of thoughts is a fascinating story:
Find the paperback, eBook, and audiobook on the link:
Remi's chest constricted painfully as she struggled to breathe. Rushed to the hospital, she received mysterious treatment due to a medical error, which miraculously stopped the asthma attack and restored her breathing. While she felt healthier than ever before, along with this astonishing recovery came peculiar abilities, and Remi couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding. This miraculous healing may have come at a cost that she wasn't prepared to pay.
Listen to the preview of the audiobook
Scan to see more
Monday, August 25, 2025
Message From the Past
Rovásírás, one of Hungary’s most enigmatic cultural treasures
Rovásirás often called the Old Hungarian script or Székely-Hungarian Rovás, this ancient writing system is a fascinating blend of history, symbolism, and linguistic mystery.
Origins and Evolution
Rovásírás literally means “carved writing,” from the verb róni, meaning “to carve.” It was traditionally etched into wood, stone, or bone.
It likely evolved from the Old Turkic script, with influences from other ancient alphabets like Phoenician and Aramaic.
The script was used by Hungarian tribes before the adoption of Christianity in the 11th century. Once King Stephen I established the Christian kingdom, Latin script became dominant, and rovásírás was gradually marginalized.
Structure and Style
Rovásírás is an alphabetic system, not pictographic or syllabic.
It includes 42 characters, but omits letters like dz, dzs, q, w, y which are rare in Hungarian.
Written right to left, similar to Arabic, which made it easier to carve while holding the writing surface in the left hand.
The characters are angular and squared, optimized for carving rather than penmanship.
Cultural Use and Symbolism
Used by shepherds and villagers well into the medieval period for tallying livestock or marking property.
In Transylvania, especially among the Székely people, it persisted longer and was even taught in schools until the 18th century.
Today, it’s experiencing a revival as a symbol of Hungarian heritage, especially among those interested in folk traditions and national identity.
Modern Relevance
Rovásírás is now encoded in Unicode, making it digitally accessible.
You’ll find it on signs, monuments, and even tattoos among enthusiasts.
Some university students use it as a kind of secret code, and it’s featured in artistic and educational projects.
Rovásírás has made a striking comeback in modern Hungarian culture—not just as a historical curiosity, but as a living symbol of identity, heritage, and even quiet rebellion. Here's how it's being woven into contemporary life:
Public Signage and Place Names
Many towns and villages in Hungary, especially in Székely regions of Transylvania, now display dual-language signs: one in Latin script and one in Rovásírás.
The town of Bugac was the first to officially adopt this practice, sparking a wave of similar signage across the country.
These signs are often seen as a cultural statement, emphasizing Hungarian roots and regional pride.
Education and Youth Culture
Some university students use Rovásírás as a kind of secret code, writing notes or messages in the script to signal insider knowledge or shared identity.
Workshops and summer camps teach children how to read and write in Rovásírás, blending linguistic education with folklore.
Art, Tattoos, and Design
Rovásírás appears in tattoos, jewelry, and graphic design as a symbol of ancestral connection or personal mystique.
Artists incorporate the script into calligraphy, logos, and digital fonts, often pairing it with Hungarian folk motifs.
Political and Ideological Use
Some nationalist groups have adopted Rovásírás as a symbol of cultural purity or resistance to globalization, which has sparked debate about its political implications.
However, many Hungarians embrace it simply as a celebration of heritage, without ideological overtones.
Epic fantasy with bits of historical facts
Book 1
Ilona and Zoltan timetravel to visit the ancestors
“Are we there yet?” Ilona asked teasingly, trying to conceal
her anxiety. She knew the answer because
the air smelled clean and fresh. Even the stars
were brighter. It was dark, but enough light shone from the full moon.
She looked around and saw a group of round,
tented-looking buildings covered with leather, where small fires burned between
them. Ilona remembered seeing pictures like that in a history book; they called those tents Jurtas. The river must have been very
close as a light breeze carried the smell of fresh water.
“Yes, we are there. Actually,
we are here in the year four hundred and five,” he explained to Ilona.
The lightheadedness was gone, and Ilona’s mind was clear.
“Was it any different when you transported Ema?” she asked, feeling better.
“Well, it was as if we fused together for a second, and then
we separated. With you, it seemed a
little different, though.”
“How was it different?” Ilona asked, feeling the heat rise
to her face.
“I had an experience that you might call… kind of... arousing.” He hesitated.
“Oh… I see.” Ilona searched her mind for the right reply.
She felt embarrassed and blushed deeply.
“For a second, the dizziness was the only sensation, and then it seemed as if
we moved through something thick and
sticky.” She had to tell a fib; she was
too shy to mention that her experience traveling with him was something more
personal.
He looked aside and reached for Ilona’s hand as he led her
toward a Jurta standing apart from the
others. “That’s because you’re not a Traveler, but a passenger, so to speak.”
He laughed softly.
The Jurtas were lined up in a semicircle, leaving a wide
plaza in the middle. Luckily, no one was in sight. They walked up to a tall and
wide wooden pole in the middle of the circle. Ilona fingered the intricate
designs carved into it. It was painted
with brilliant colors. On top of was a giant carved falcon, standing with wings
open wide, as if it was getting ready to take flight.
Ilona tugged at Zoltan’s shirt excitedly and whispered,
“I’ve seen this place before! Every time I play my tune, I see this village in
my mind or some other place pretty much
like this.”
“Really? I always see this kind of place in my mind when I
play my birth tune too! And I always see the Turul bird. I think everyone
pictures a different place when they play. Mom says she feels like she sits by
the Blue Danube in medieval times. Dad’s vision takes him back much further. It
is curious that we both see a similar place and time,” Zoltan marveled,
following Ilona’s gaze.
“Yes, it is,” Ilona agreed, wondering about the coincidence.
They reached the Jurta
that stood a short distance outside of the circle. Zoltan grabbed the small
wooden stick hanging on the side of the thick leather door cover, and lightly
tapped the round drum hanging next to it.
“Doorbell,” he explained.
“Who art thou?” a pleasant voice sounded from the inside, in
ancient Hunor language.
“The Traveler and the Healer are asking permission to
enter,” Zoltan answered, in the same melodious mother tongue.
“Come hither.”
Zoltan pulled the thick leather covering aside and urged
Ilona forward. Inside, the light was dim and flickering, emanating from oil
lamps hanging on the walls of the wide, round room. Zoltan motioned for Ilona to take her shoes off at the
entrance. They walked forward on the thick carpet covering the floor. A
beautiful, statuesque, dark-haired woman
slowly rose from a curved sofa-like piece of furniture. She wore a soft green,
delicately decorated calf-length tunic,
with loose black trousers. Her hair was braided
with soft leather thongs. Ema was standing in the alcove. She shrieked when she
saw Ilona and Zoltan and started running towards them but was stopped dead in
her tracks by a simple hand gesture from the statuesque woman.
The young woman took a step toward them, “Elana, the Healer,
I am called, ready to do thy bidding,”
she said, and then looking at Ilona, she used an ancient ritual of submission
by getting down on her right knee. That gesture was reserved only in the
presence of Royalty. She exposed the left side of her neck by bending her head
to the right. With one swift movement, she smoothed her long braids aside and
placed her right hand over her heart.
Ilona was stunned and confused, “Why are you greeting me
this way?” she asked and looked at Zoltan
who appeared as puzzled as she was. He shrugged
his shoulders, silently motioning that he had no idea.
“Thus, thine birthright.” Elana uttered.
“But I am not of Royalty, and I am not even sure what being
one means,” Ilona replied.
“Are thee not? I say thou art, and if thee chooseth, thee couldst be more. Thy sign
speaketh. On thee, the surest sign. Find thee heritage in time, thou will.” She began to
stand.
Ilona was stunned. Royal?
She thought. How could I be? My parents were regular people, and I only heard about the just and
powerful Royals from Rua’s legends. I always thought they were mere fairy tales
to entertain children in which the Royals were brave and protected good people.
Elza said my birthright was to be a
Healer. Why is Elana greeting me like I’m more than that? Frantic thoughts
chased each other in her mind. “Please tell me. What is this sign?” Ilona
asked, bursting with confused emotions.
“On thy face, thou
shall beareth the sign, and thou hast the aura around thee. Accept thou the sign that shall appear when thou knowest thy
destiny, as our Seer foretold thee
coming.”
Zoltan stared at
Ilona. Elana noticed his confused look, smiled and turned to him. “Thou hast
the aura of other sort. May hap someday
the sign couldst appear, but not by right of birth. Such fate is for but the Choseth.”
Zoltan was obviously startled but didn’t ask anything.
Ema looked briefly at Elana, “Am I a Royal too, Elana? I
have my Hunor mark as well, but mine is blood red, as is customary for everyone
else. Ilona’s mark turned maroon on her wrist, and Zoltan’s is the same.” She
smiled as she glanced at Zoltan’s arm.
Elana smiled back at her, “Your mark will appear when the
time is right, and I will greet you a little differently if the time comes, and
when it comes. We will find out in due time. Your future depends on many things yet been decided.”
The alphabet
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)