Learn all about St. Wenceslas 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 8, St. Wenceslas Day. In Czech, it’s called Den české státnosti. |
| On September 28, Czechs celebrate the national holiday called the Day of Czech Statehood, otherwise known as the Day of St. Wenceslas. It is a reminder of the Czech national patron and saint regarded as the founder or zakladatel of the Czech state. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| In which Bohemian city was Wenceslas murdered in 935? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| St. Wenceslas is a widely revered national patron, and his feast day is observed by the vast majority of Czechs. Considering that he is a saint, celebrations tend to take the form of solemn services in churches across the country. The biggest celebrations take place in locations that are historically associated with his life and in places that are symbols of national history or národní dějiny. |
| The culmination of the celebrations of St. Wenceslas is a solemn Mass in the church of St. Wenceslas in Stara Boleslav. During this Mass, the relics or ostatky of St. Wenceslas are exhibited. In particular, attendees have the chance to view his skull, on which rests a royal crown, or koruna, a sign that he is the perpetual hereditary prince of the Czech lands. |
| The saint is repeatedly asked in prayer for the intercession and protection of the Czech nation. Prayers can be summarized in the credo: "Saint Wenceslas, do not let us and our descendants perish." The hymn of St. Wenceslas, one of the oldest Czech songs at a thousand years old, is sung. |
| The name Wenceslas or Václav has always been, up to the present day, one of the most popular names for children or děti. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| In which Bohemian city was Wenceslas murdered in 935? |
| St. Wenceslas was murdered in 935 by the closed door of the church of St. Cosmas and Damian in Stara Boleslav, where he arrived at the invitation of his brother. Immediately afterwards, he began to be worshiped as a saint and as the patron of the Czech nation. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Who do you turn to in difficult times? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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