Easter Customs and Habits in the Czech Republic
Easter The climax of the Christian Year The most important holiday for Christians It reminds of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection Movable feast –
Easter It celebrates coming of spring and awaking of the nature Nowadays it is less important for atheists than Christmas
Holy Week Holy Week commemorates the Passion of Christ A week preceding JC’s resurrection Memory of Jesus Christ’s torment There is a Great Lent preceding the Passion Week – 40 days – Meatless nutrition – proper food only once a day Begins on Palm Sunday 13 th April
Spy Wednesday 16 th April – The day when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ Maundy Thursday 17 th April -Commemorates the Maundy and the Last Supper -Determination the Eucharist
Good Friday 18 th April – Reminding of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion – “the most silent” day of the year – climax of the Great Lent – total lent – no work – It is a bank holiday in the majority of the world Not in the Czech Republic
Holy Saturday 19 th April – The final day of the Great Lent – It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ’s body lay in the tomb – The memory of Jesus Christ’s martyrdom, death – praying for his resurrection
Easter Sunday 20 th April – the resurrection of Jesus Christ Easter Monday 21th April – Not a religious feast – Folk traditions
Easter customs and habits Easter bread – Cross bun “pomlázka” – Easter carol Painted Easter eggs
Easter rattle – “řehtačka” Easter bunny Easter lamb
Pouring boys Easter decoration Easter postcards
Sources Malá encyklopedie Velikonoc – Valburga Vavřinová, Libri, 2006 Slovník křesťanské kultury – V. Sotová, M. T. Quinsonová, N. Lemaitrová, Garamond, 2002 České zvyky a obyčeje – Alena Vondrušká, Albatros 2004 Google pictures