Czech Republic Christmas Customs
The Christmas customs of the Czech Republic are a clear reflection of Czech culture and history. While many Czech customs are the same as those celebrated elsewhere, there are also several customs unique to the region that are cherished by the Czechs and Czech descendants around the world.
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History
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Christmas customs in the Czech Republic come largely from Slavic traditions and folklore. They have been heavily influenced by German traditions.
Geography
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Czech Christmas traditions are celebrated in the Czech Republic, as well as nearby regions such as Bohemia and Morovia. These traditions also enjoy popularity where Czech immigrants have settled, including several areas of the United States.
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Time Frame
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Czech Christmas customs actually begin with Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas). Other celebrated dates include St. Barbara's Day (December 4), St. Nicholas's Day (December 5), St. Stephen's Day (December 26) and continue through to Epiphany (January 6).
Food
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Breaded, fried carp is the traditional main course for a Czech Christmas Eve dinner, accompanied by fish soup, potato salad, and vánočka (a raisin and almond bread). Walnuts also feature prominently in the Czech Christmas menu.
Gifting
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Czech children are told that their Christmas gifts are brought not by Santa Claus, but by Ježíšek, the baby Jesus. Czech children write letters to Ježíšek just as other children write letters to Santa Claus.
Fortune-telling
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Czech Christmas customs are filled with fortune-telling rituals. One involves making a small boat out of a walnut shell and a burning candle, and reading one's fortune in how the boat floats in a bowl of water. Another requires an unmarried girl to throw a shoe over her shoulder to predict whether or not she will be married in the year to come.
Fun Fact
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"Veselé Vánoce" is Czech for "Merry Christmas."
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