Learn all about Christmas Eve
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in the Czech Republic Series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 2, Christmas Eve. In Czech, it’s called Štědrý večer. |
| Christmas in the Czech Republic is one of the biggest festivals of the year. Its peak in is on December 24, Christmas Eve. It’s a time when people are said to receive gifts — not from Santa Claus — but from Ježíšek, the infant Jesus. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Do you know why Czechs fast on Christmas eve until dinnertime? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| One of the typical joys of Christmas includes decorating a Christmas tree or vánoční stromek. A young coniferous tree – a pine, spruce, or fir tree – is brought home. The children, with the help and supervision of adults, begin to decorate it with bright Christmas decorations: gingerbread, paper chains, chocolate figurines, candles, and firecrackers. In the evening, Ježíšek, the infant Jesus, is said to place presents under the decorated tree. |
| One old tradition is to fast on Christmas Eve until dinner time. Christmas Eve dinner, served when the first star appears in the sky, is thus the first real meal of the day. Traditional dishes include a mushroom soup, or kuba, and carp, usually fried and served with potato salad. Typical desserts include Christmas sweets, called vánoční cukroví. |
| The main highlight of the evening is the exchange of gifts. After dinner, a bell summons all of the family members into a darkened room where the Christmas tree is alight with its candles and sparklers. All the gifts, or dárky, are stacked beneath it. They are said to have been brought by Ježíšek, the infant Jesus. People then sing carols. After unwrapping the gifts, they all thank each other and wish each other the best. The day may be ended by attending Midnight Mass. |
| For those that have fasted all day, it’s said that they may be rewarded by seeing a vision of a “golden pig” projected on the wall. Though the origin of this custom is obscure, some have linked it to pre-Christian sun worship. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know why Czechs fast on Christmas eve until dinnertime? |
| Until the 20th century, it was customary to fast on Christmas Eve as the final day of the Advent period. In more recent times, people who keep the fast may see the golden pig, a sign of good luck that is possibly connected to older ideas about the sun. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Do you celebrate Christmas Eve in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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