Čarodejnice- Witches Night

Spring is full of traditions here in the Czech Republic. We have the madness that surrounds Easter followed by a few days of saying 'na shledanou' (goodbye) to winter. The last 3 days of April celebrate the name days of the 3 'winter men', and the story behind it is that these last 3 days of April are the final time for winter weather before gardeners can breathe easy and prepare for the crop season.

In a final celebration to the end of winter they have an extremely pagan celebration on the night of 30 April called Čarodejnice, or Witches Night. Appropriately, the people of the Czech Republic have massive organized parties where they make bonfires and burn witches made from sticks. People dress up in witch hats, cook sausages over the fire, and enjoy the festivities. In Prague there were many organized events and we chose one on the outskirts of the city to attend. It was a nice park and had a live band, tents and booths set up, and a few bonfires going until the thunderstorms set in.

Today, the 1st of May, is the Czech's version of Valentine's Day. People gather on Petrin Hill (where the mini Eiffel tower is) and kiss their loved ones by the statue of the Czech 'love poet', Karel Hynek Macha. It is said that if you don't kiss someone under a flowering tree on 1 May then the girl will turn ugly. Side note- it is also a national holiday reserved for any rallies or demonstrations in their post-1989 life, their Labor Day. What a combo!

peace out, Communism

Today is yet another Czech national holiday-but no complaints here, so far I've had one day off per month of being here! Although today is what all of my students have been calling a 'celebration day' because just 21 years ago today was the end of Communism reign in the Czech Republic. 21 YEARS!!

I have heard many stories from some of my older students about life during Communism. They laugh about it now, but back then it was no joking matter. Absolutely everything was regulated, monitored, and rationed out (bananas at Christmastime only, for example). Simplicity was key and freedom was non-existent.

Today my teenage students are blessed with futures outside of the CR if they wish, but their parents weren't as lucky.

In honor of this celebration day I am practising my freedom and buying a plane ticket to London for my Christmas holiday!!