The art of embroidery is thousands of years old; even textiles found in ancient graves were decorated with embroidery.

The love for embroidery of the Hungarian people goes far back in history. It has been written that Hungarians liked to dress in richly decorated and embroidered clothing, and their surroundings were pompous. In Hungary, there have been weaving and embroidery schools as early as the eleventh century. Embroidery has always been an important part of the upbringing of every girl, whether she lived in the royal palace or a peasant hut.

The oldest existing Hungarian and European embroidery is the Coronation Robe, made in Veszprém in 1031 and embroidered with gold thread on pure silk. The robe was worn by every Hungarian king at his coronation.

Embroidery holds a special place in Hungarian culture and is treated with deep respect as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage. Its tradition and craftsmanship have been passed down from generation to generation, especially in rural areas.

For centuries, Hungarian women gathered to embroider together, sharing patterns and techniques that were handed down from mother to daughter. These communal gatherings created strong bonds within families and communities, keeping the craft alive and evolving through time.

The practice of embroidery in Hungary was not initially gender-specific. Men and women both engaged in the craft, though their roles differed: women worked with lighter fabrics like hemp and cotton for domestic items, while men used heavier materials such as leather and wool for decorative garments and accessories.

Over the centuries, the embroideries of noble ladies became more exquisite as they could obtain more expensive materials. Their designs absorbed Renaissance and Turkish elements, as the ruling classes were more accepting of new fashions. Peasants, on the other hand, continued to embroider as their ancestors had for centuries, preserving traditional motifs and techniques.

The motifs in Hungarian embroidery reflect natural elements—flowers, leaves, and organic shapes—each carrying symbolic meanings of fertility, protection, and prosperity. Hungarian folk embroidery is a beautiful art, rich in design, color combinations, and stitches. There are over twenty folkloric regions in Hungary, each with its own unique folk art. The availability of textiles and threads influenced the colors, stitches, and designs that define each region’s style.

Hungarian embroidery is known for proportioned patterns filled with stylized floral motifs, variations of large and small designs, and vivid yet harmonious colors.

Two of the most famous styles of Hungarian embroidery are Matyó and Kalocsai, each with its own regional origins and characteristics.

Matyó embroidery comes from Mezőkövesd in northern Hungary. It is known for vivid colors and intricate floral designs, the most famous motif being the large red Matyó rose. The designs often feature dark backgrounds for strong contrast. In 2012, UNESCO added Matyó embroidery to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kalocsai embroidery originates from Kalocsa, a region known for agriculture and shepherding traditions. It is recognized for its bright colors and floral motifs embroidered on white linen, using bold, cheerful multicolored threads. Modern interpretations often include new colors and simplified patterns, but retain the traditional vibrancy of the Kalocsa style.