The word “Christmas” brings a touch of magic. It instantly brings a smile to your face and may even have you humming a festive tune without realizing it. When we think of Christmas, we imagine snow-covered landscapes, Rudolph with his shiny red nose, and jolly old Santa Claus with his round belly. Add a sparkling Christmas tree and the sound of carols in the air, and you’ve got the perfect holiday scene.
When capturing this enchanting Christmas spirit, the Czech Republic’s cities burst into life with festive markets. During the four-week Advent period, major towns, including Prague’s stunning capital, are bustling with Christmas markets. It’s the most beautiful time of the year, and the Czechs go all out!
Ever wondered what it’s like to experience one of Europe’s most spectacular Christmas markets? Are you curious about how Czechs celebrate the holidays and what delicious treats grace their festive tables? We’ve teamed up with the Czech Tourism Board to give you an insider’s look at Czech Christmas traditions. Get ready for a sleigh full of holiday magic!
5 Must-Know Czech Christmas Traditions
1. The Festive Feast: Fried Carp
Forget turkey or ham—Christmas dinner in the Czech Republic stars an unexpected guest: fried carp! This crispy delight is served alongside creamy mashed potatoes bursting with buttery goodness. Dating back to the 19th century, this has become an integral part of Czech Christmas celebrations. It’s a nod to the Catholic custom of abstaining from meat, which has become deeply ingrained in Czech holiday cuisine. In the days leading up to Christmas, you’ll spot carp vendors on practically every street corner across the country.
2. A Nativity Scene to Remember: Bethlehem
The nativity scene, or “Bethlehem,” is special in Czech Christmas traditions. Skilled artisans keep the craft of creating intricate Bethlehem scenes alive, passing down their expertise through generations. For an in-depth look at this art form, visit the Bethlehem Museum in Třešť, nestled in the picturesque Vysočina Region. During the holiday season, you’ll spot beautiful Bethlehem displays in town squares nationwide, adding an extra touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.
3. A Festive Trio: St. Nicholas Day
On December 6th, Czech streets come alive with a unique holiday spectacle. St. Nicholas (known as Svatý Mikuláš in Czech) makes his rounds, but he’s not alone! An angel and a naughty devil join him. This trio approaches children, asking if they’ve been naughty or nice throughout the year. Good kids receive treats like chocolates, nuts, and oranges, while the naughty ones might find themselves with a lump of coal or a hard potato. It’s a fun tradition that adds a bit of excitement (and maybe a touch of nervousness) to the holiday season.
4. A Slice of Good Fortune: The Apple-Cutting Ritual
Who needs a crystal ball when you’ve got an apple? Families gather in a charming Czech tradition after Christmas Eve dinner for a unique health prediction ritual. They cut an apple in half, crosswise, and examine the core. If the seeds form a perfect star, it’s a sign of good health for the whole family in the coming year. But if a seed is missing, someone could fall ill. This sweet tradition creates a moment to bond with loved ones and adds a little suspense to the holiday festivities.
5. Floating into the Future: The Walnut Shell Tradition
Move over, fortune cookies! Czechs have their way of peeking into the future using walnut shells. This quirky tradition is like a Christmas version of reading tea leaves. Here’s how it works: take a halved walnut shell, pop a small candle inside, and set it afloat in a water basin. Pack your bags if your little nutshell boat drifts away from the edge! Legend has it you’ll be embarking on a journey within the year. It’s a fun, festive way to dream about future adventures while celebrating the holiday season.
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