Easter in Czech Republic is known by the traditional name of 'Velikonoce'.
Easter celebration in the country is a mélange of colorful traditions and folk
customs, dating back to pre-Christian times. Most of the traditions indigenous
to the country are largely observed in villages and small towns. With the
passing time, they have lost the inherent symbolism and are now performed mainly
for fun. Nonetheless, Easter is one of the prominent festivals in Czech Republic
and calls for full fledged celebrations. Go through the article and explore all
about the celebrations of Easter in Canada and the various traditions associated
with the festival, in the European nation.
Easter Celebration In Czech Republic
Celebrations On Whipping Monday
In Czech Republic, the traditional name for Easter Monday is 'Whipping Monday',
because on this day, the village boys symbolically 'whip' girls on the legs.
Young, live 'pussy willow' twigs are thought to bring health and youth to anyone
who is thrashed with them. The braided whip made from pussy willow twigs is
called the 'Easter pomlázka'. While whipping the girl, the boy would recite an
Easter carol, usually asking for an egg or two. The girl would reward the boy
with a painted egg or candy and tie a ribbon around his pomlázka. This tradition
is still followed in many parts of Czech Republic.
Decoration Of Easter Eggs
Decoration of Easter eggs is one of the popular traditions associated with the
celebration of the festival in Czech Republic. Hand-painted or decorated eggs (kraslice)
are the most recognizable symbol of Easter in the European nation. Different
materials including bee's wax, straw, watercolors, onion peels, stickers are
used to decorate the eggs. As a part of the traditions, young girls decorate
Easter eggs to give them as presents to boys, on Easter Monday. Easter Sunday (Nedele
velikonocní) is a day of preparations for Easter Monday. While the girls are
occupied with painting, coloring and decorating eggs, boys prepare their
pomlázkas. A nationwide Easter egg contest is held in Prague and other Czech
cities around Easter time.
Traditional Feast
On Easter, people in Czech Republic eat lip smacking delicacies that are
prepared especially for the festival. Usually, traditional Czech Republic
recipes are made for the ceremonious occasion. Czechs eat a type of coffee bread
called 'Babovka'. 'Mazanec' is another special Easter food, which is a
yeast-raised cake filled with almonds, raisins and citron. A cross is cut into
the top of the cake, just before it goes into the oven. Easter gingerbread,
Easter Ram Cake, Judas Cake, 'God’s Mercy' (a type of doughnut sprinkled with
sugar) are some of the traditional recipes, which should not be missed, when you
are celebrating Easter in Czech Republic.
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