Adherence to traditions belongs to Christmas. With them, the holidays gain their charm. Perhaps every Czech knows the Christmas custom of the apparition of the Golden Pig. The origins of this tradition date back to ancient pagan times. The pig is a sign of abundance, a symbol of the sun and also the winter solstice.
Category: Country
Category for articles about the Czech Republic
Day 19 of Advent: Nesem vám noviny
In the previous articles we wrote about two beautiful Czech carols, both of which have quite an interesting history behind them. But not all carols’ history is known and this is also the case of Nesem vám noviny – a traditional Czech carol whose author is unknown.
Day 18 of Advent: Ježíšek or Santa Claus Brings Presents?
Joyful Christmas is celebrated in almost all countries around the world! The period and process depend on cultural and religious customs. Who gives presents on Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic? One of the traditional symbols of Czech Christmas is Ježíšek, in English “Christ Child”, who brings Christmas presents and places them for children under the Christmas tree.
Day 17 of Advent: Foretelling the Future
If someone told you that there is a famous poem about Christmas Eve you’d probably think that it must be some warm story about a beautiful snowy Christmas. If that’s the case then I have to disappoint you. The poem “Christmas Eve” (“Štědrý den” in Czech) was written by K. J. Erben, and it’s a dark tale about foretelling the future on Christmas eve. But don’t worry, the actual tradition is much less gloomy.
Obligations of British Citizens after Brexit
At the beginning of 2021, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union, which for many British citizens living in the Czech Republic brings several new restrictions and obligations. Forgetting about Brexit could mean deportation from the territory of the Czech Republic. If any of you have British citizenship, we encourage you to pay attention to the following content.
Day 16 of Advent: Christmas Cake Vánočka
There are no proper advent evenings without Christmas special dishes. Do you know what is really common to prepare in the Czech Republic? A special plaited bread called Vánočka that you can eat with butter or jam on it or just on its own!
Coronavirus in Czechia: Returning to PES Level 4
On Friday, December 18, the Czech Republic will once again return to level 4 of the PES system, which means that restrictions will be tightened. This was decided by the House of Commons on December 14; shortly after the restrictions were initially released. Despite that, stores will remain open. Some politicians and experts are worried that Czechs will actually have to spend this Christmas on level 5 of the PES system.
Coronavirus in Czechia: Drinking Outdoors Banned, State of Emergency Extended
The Czech House of Commons approved another extension of the state of emergency – this time until December 23. Besides that, drinking outdoors is prohibited as the government wants to stop crowds of people consuming food and beverages from gathering at Christmas markets and on streets. This, however, doesn’t affect only stalls at the markets but also dispensing windows.
Day 14 of Advent: Good King Wenceslas
As some of you surely know, “Good King Wenceslas” is a popular British Victorian carol. Whether you have already known this fact or just now learnt about it, you are probably wondering what it has to do with Czech Christmas. Truth be told, this carol is not sung in the Czech Republic, yet there is a significant connection to the country’s history.
Day 13 of Advent: Christmas Trees
It cannot be the right Christmas without Christmas trees! But if I ask you why, can you tell the story behind? Do you know what kinds of trees are used as Christmas trees? Do you prefer real trees or plastic ones? And most importantly, do you know where to get one?