Learn all about Christmas Day
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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 3, Christmas Day. In Czech, it’s called Vánoce. |
| The First Day of Christmas holds an important place on the Czech Christmas calendar. It falls on December 25 and is also called the Feast of the Nativity or Boží Hod. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| What tradition associated with a carp scale do Czech people follow on Christmas Day? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Christmas Day should be a holiday of peace, or svátky míru, family well-being, and relaxation. Czechs spend this day with their close family circle, whether at home, outside, or visiting friends and relatives. People enjoy the gifts they received from Ježíšek, the infant Jesus, the night before. |
| Even people who are not practicing Christians usually attend the traditional Christmas Day mass or mši, or at least visit churches to look at the nativity displays. These are usually carved out of wood and can even be life-size. Invariably, they depict Christ's birth in a manger in the middle of the frigid winter night, with only animals there to keep him warm. The three wise men, or Tři králové, are also shown paying tribute and offering gifts. |
| Unlike the fasting that precedes Christmas Day, there is a traditional festive lunch and dinner. A goose, or husa, is usually served with dumplings and sauerkraut, though sometimes other birds, such as duck or turkey, are served instead. Dessert is usually typical Christmas sweets. |
| Unmarried girls carry out a particular ritual to determine their marriage prospects for the coming year. Standing with their backs facing a door, they throw a shoe behind them. If the shoe tip is directed towards the door, they can expect to be married within a year, if not, they will remain single. This is an old, traditional custom. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What tradition associated with a carp scale do Czech people follow on Christmas Day? |
| People will often put a scale from the Christmas carp into their wallets, in the hope that it will multiply their financial resources. According to the saying, they will then have a lot of money for the upcoming year. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Do you celebrate December 25th in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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