Christmas in the Czech republic Christmas is celebrated on the It is one of the biggest holidays in the Czech republic. It starts by the first advent Sunday (four Sundays before Christmas Eve). People decorate their houses with a Christmas wreath and candles. The Christmas tree is usually decorated the day before Christmas Eve. Families gather around the tree and sing Christmas Carols.

Christmas menu The Czech traditional Christmas dinner is eaten during the Christmas Eve. The meal consits of:  fish soup  fried carp with potatoes salad  Christmas cookies

Christmas Traditions In every region of the country as also in every family there are a lot of different traditions.

BETHLEHEM People usually have the small Bethlehem in their homes as a Christmas decoration. The figures are made of paper, wood, plaster or many other materials. In churches you can see big Bethlehem's and in the square there are so called live pictures of Nativity

CUTTING THE APPLES People cut the apples in half. If they the star inside, that means that they will be healthy all the next year. The cross inside means the death. People cut the apples in half. If they see the star inside, that means that they will be healthy all the next year. The cross inside means the death.

BARBORKA Young girls pick the cherry tree sprigs on the day of St. Barbara (December 4).They put them in the vase and if the sprig come into blossom till Christmas,the girl will get married next year.

The Floating of Walnut Shells Little boats are made out of empty walnut shells and each family member places a little burning candle into a shell. Everyone's shells are then floated on a bowl of water. If the shell makes it across the bowl, its owner will live a long and healthy life. A shell that sinks brings bad luck to its owner.

Money and Wealth: Fish Scales Fish scales should be placed under Christmas dinner plates to bring wealth to the house. People use to carry a fish scale in a wallet during all the year to ensure that money will not run out.

Resources Pinterest.com/ water.html surrounding-death chut.aspx?c=A101220_124050_dobra-chut_glu