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.
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.
