MOTHERLAND CRUCIFIED: THE IMAGE OF COUNTRY AND COLLECTIVE MEMORY IN HUNGARY

The use of the Christian symbolism of crucifixion is hardly exceptional to post-Trianon Hungarian irredentist imagery, for it is common to self-pitying nationalist imagery in much of the Christian world. However, Hungary's unique historical development made the crucifixion of a male figure less evocative to Hungarian irredentist image makers. Though tradition called for gender-neutral or female representations of Hungary, Hungarian nationalists still felt compelled to evoke the Passion of Christ while simultaneously stressing the Mary-like nature of the country. They created a powerful, if heretical set of imagery placing the motherland in the role of Christ. This imagery continues to be evoked in Hungarian nationalist discourse today.