Decorative Ribbon

Popular Christmas Traditions and Christmas Decorations in the Czech Republic

Christmas is a favorite holiday all over the world. Christmas in the Czech Republic, however, is so loved that it is a 3-day holiday. Czechs celebrate Christmas with decorating, baking and spending time with friends and loved ones.

The Christmas holidays in the Czech Republic start as early as the middle of November. Stores decorate, bakeries abound with sweets and people all over the country ready their homes. Four weeks before Christmas Eve is the start of Advent when it is traditional to make Christmas wreaths. Branches of evergreens are entwined to make a wreath and then are bedecked with small decorations, ribbons and pinecones. The four candles placed around the wreath represent Advent. Children also partake in Advent with Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas. The calendar has 24 doors that children open, one each day. Behind each is a chocolate treat in a shape representative of Christmas such as a Christmas tree or a candle.

A popular custom for girls who are at an age to marry occurs on December 4th. On the Feast Day of St. Barbora, girls cut off a small branch from a cherry tree and place the branch in water. Whoever’s branch blooms by Christmas Eve is said to marry sometime soon. Another loved custom is caroling. This is usually done from Christmas Eve until January 6th, or the Day of the Three Kings. Christmas songs are often sung after Christmas Eve dinner as well.

The most important Christmas decoration in the Czech Republic is the Christmas tree. Christmas trees can be seen all over the cities and towns in public squares, stores and especially in homes. They are beautifully adorned with decorations such as blown glass, fruits like apples and pears, nuts, sweets, pinecones and small folk dolls. Nativity scenes are also important Christmas decorations.

Celebrating begins with Christmas Eve which is called Štedrý den and translates to Generous Day. Dinner on Štedrý den is traditionally served after the arrival of the first star. It consists of carp which, in some homes, has been kept alive in the family bathtub. Other foods can include potato salad, fish soup, sauerkraut and pea soup. Some people still include Czech Christmas Bread, Vánocka, but not as often as in the days of old since it is available all year. Dessert is often apple strudel or Christmas cookies called vánocní cukroví. Midnight Mass is a custom that ends Christmas Eve.

December 25th and 26th are spent relaxing with family or visiting friends. Many Czechs eat cod roe soup on these days and tales of a gold pig are told. Good food, presents, family and friends are what Christmas is all about in the Czech Republic.

About the Author

About the Author: Karen Jebbia is a marketing associate of Acadia Wreath Company which sells fresh Christmas wreaths, christmas centerpieces, advent wreaths and kissing balls made with Maine balsam fir and shipped throughout the United States at Christmas time. Visit us at www.acadiawreath.com.

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