Since Christmas in the Czech Republic was so entertaining to hear about I thought I would share the equally humourous tale around the Easter weekend traditions. Growing up in the US I was used to Easter starting on Wednesday night and going to church pretty much daily through Sunday. The Czech Republic is.... different.
First off, since the majority of Czech people are athiest there is no mention of anything religious. Easter to them is more of a celebration of Spring. The big Christmas markets are in place again, this time decorated with bright colored ribbons and faux flowers making them the 'Easter markets'. Replacing the huge pine trees are massive eggs and instead of detailed ornaments there are hand painted eggs. The St Nikolas gingerbread cookies are now shaped as bunnies. Very festive!
My favorite part about Easter traditions here are the events that happen on Easter Monday. As traditions has it, boys are allowed to hit girls with willow branches woven into whips. Now this may sound violent, but the boys are actually doing the girls a favor- legend has it that as the boys hit the girls with these tree whips there are actually transfering the 'power' from the willow to the girl to ensure that she doesn't 'dry up'. This is to say that the girls will remain youthful and pretty and not turn into old hags. Since the girls are supposed to be thankful for this gesture they are expected to give the boy a present after being beaten by the branches. Presents could be anything from a hand painted egg, candy, or a shot of alcohol. Then they tie a ribbon on the end of the boy's whip as a reward. The more ribbons the boys collect.... the drunker they become. (This part is still confusing to me.. communication barriers I think)
So I have been warned to 'watch my back' on Monday and to bring a pillow with me to protect my rear end. With Ben and Gerry in town we are planning to go down to Cesky Krumlov on Monday so Gerry and I will definitely have to be careful...
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