Learn all about Jan Hus 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 7, Jan Hus Day. In Czech, it’s called Den upálení Mistra Jana Husa. |
| On July 6, 1415, a prominent Czech reformer and scholar Jan Hus or Jan Hus was burned at the stake for his opinions at the Church Council of Constance. His death sparked a rebellion in Bohemia, as well as the Hussite wars against opponents of his doctrine and other forms of foreign intervention. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| What’s the name of the chapel most closely associated with Jan Hus’ preaching? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The feast, which inflames political and theological passions even centuries later, was established after the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. The celebrations tend to have a more official character, and public figures and politicians frequently appear at commemorative events. Part of the celebrations are festive ceremonies organized especially by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, which is fully committed to the theological views of Jan Hus. |
| The place inextricably connected with the celebrations is a famous chapel or kaple standing in Prague's New Town. We’ll tell you its name at the end of the lesson. It was there that Hus preached for most of his life, and every year on Jan Hus Day a festive church service takes place honoring his memory or památka. |
| You can also celebrate the feast of Jan Hus by learning Czech, since it is important to remember that Jan Hus was also a linguist and considerably influenced the shape of the Czech language. His greatest contribution lies in the simplification of writing by introducing accents or háčky a čárky, and he also laid the foundations for literary Czech language. |
| Although Jan Hus was a reformer of the Czech language, his last words, addressed to an ordinary woman who brought a log to his stake, were said in Latin: "Sancta simplicitas!" meaning "Holy simplicity!" |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| What’s the name of the chapel most closely associated with Jan Hus’ preaching? |
| It is called Bethlehem Chapel and still stands in Prague's New Town. It is managed by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. During his lifetime, Hus, who was then rector of Prague University or pražská univerzita, used the place to preach and criticize contemporary social and religious problems. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Can you stand behind your opinions? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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