Štědrý den in Czechia
Štědrý den is a holiday in Czechia.
When is Štědrý den in Czechia
Štědrý den is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Czechia.
About Štědrý den in Czechia
Štědrý den, also known as Christmas Eve, is one of the most important holidays in Czechia. It falls on December 24th and is traditionally celebrated with a family dinner, gift-giving, and the singing of Christmas carols.
The day typically begins with a fast, which is broken with a festive meal in the evening. The meal usually consists of fish soup, carp, potato salad, and other traditional Czech dishes. It is customary to leave an extra place setting at the table for an unexpected guest or for the Christ child.
After dinner, presents are exchanged and families often attend midnight mass. In some regions, there are also traditions such as the lighting of candles on the graves of loved ones or the throwing of a shoe over the shoulder to predict the future.
Overall, Štědrý den is a time for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
History of Štědrý den in Czechia
Štědrý den, also known as Christmas Eve, is one of the most important holidays in Czechia. Its history dates back to the pre-Christian era when the winter solstice was celebrated as the victory of light over darkness. With the arrival of Christianity, the holiday became associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
The tradition of celebrating Štědrý den in Czechia is believed to have originated in the 16th century. During this time, the Czechs would fast throughout the day and then break the fast with a festive meal in the evening. The meal typically consisted of fish soup, carp, potato salad, and other traditional Czech dishes.
In the 19th century, the tradition of decorating Christmas trees became popular in Czechia. Families would decorate their trees with candles, ornaments, and other decorations, and then gather around the tree to exchange gifts.
During the communist era, the celebration of Christmas was discouraged, and many Czechs celebrated the holiday in secret. However, after the fall of communism in 1989, the tradition of Štědrý den was revived, and it remains one of the most important holidays in the country today.
Today, Štědrý den is celebrated with a festive meal, the exchange of gifts, and the singing of traditional Czech carols. Many families also attend midnight mass or other religious services to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
How is Štědrý den celebrated in Czechia
Štědrý den, or Christmas Eve, is the most important day of the Christmas season in Czechia. It is traditionally celebrated with a festive dinner, the decoration of the Christmas tree, and the exchange of gifts.
The day begins with a fast, during which people abstain from eating meat and dairy products. The fast is broken in the evening with a special meal, which typically includes fish soup, carp, potato salad, and other traditional dishes.
After dinner, families gather around the Christmas tree to sing carols and exchange gifts. The presents are usually brought by Ježíšek (Baby Jesus), who is believed to visit households during the night and leave gifts under the tree.
The celebration of Štědrý den is also marked by the lighting of candles, the ringing of bells, and the attendance of midnight mass. It is a time for families to come together, share in the joy of the season, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
