Easter in the Czech Republic is typically celebrated by the majority of the country’s population, at least in basic outline.
Pomlázka
Pomlázka is a traditional Czech Easter custom in which men and young boys whip women with a braided willow branch. The act is performed on the Monday after Easter, which is known as “Easter Monday.” The pomlázka is seen as a symbol of fertility and renewal, and it is believed that the whipping brings good luck and health for the upcoming year. After whipping the girl won’t dry up.
The custom is usually performed in rural areas, and it involves men visiting homes in their village or town and whipping the women who live there. In return, the women offer the men gifts, originally painted eggs but also sweets or alcohol shots. The custom is often performed in a playful and lighthearted manner, and it is considered a form of folk tradition and cultural heritage in the Czech Republic.
Easter eggs
Easter eggs are boiled eggs in the Czech Republic often painted or decorated using a variety of techniques and materials. These eggs are given to boys as a present. Here are some of the most common methods used:
- Wax-Resist: In this method, the egg is first coated with melted wax, and then dipped into dye. The wax creates a barrier that prevents the dye from adhering to certain parts of the egg, resulting in intricate and decorative patterns.
- Batik: Similar to the wax-resist technique, the batik method involves using melted wax to create designs on the egg before it is dipped into dye. The difference is that with the batik method, additional wax is added to the egg after each dip in the dye, allowing for more intricate designs to be created.
- Stencils: In this method, a stencil is placed on the egg and the design is painted on using dye or paint.
- Natural Dyes: Some Czechs choose to use natural dyes, such as onion skins, beet juice, or turmeric, to color their Easter eggs.
No matter the technique used, the process of painting or decorating Easter eggs is an important and beloved part of Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic, and it is a way for families and friends to come together and create beautiful and meaningful gifts for one another.
Kraslice
Kraslice are also painted eggs but only use for decoration because these are not full eggs, just egg-shell. The content of the egg is carefully blown out and then it is painted with similar techniques to a boiled egg.
Kraslice is a traditional Czech Easter custom that involves decorating eggs with various symbols, motifs, and patterns. It is a form of folk art that dates back to the early Slavic cultures, and it is an important part of Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic.
Kraslice eggs are often used as gifts and decorations during Easter, and they are considered a symbol of spring and renewal. The tradition is especially popular in rural areas and is passed down from generation to generation. The creation of kraslice is seen as a form of cultural and artistic expression, and it is a way for families and communities to come together and celebrate the Easter holiday. You can definitely find some to buy at Easter markets in Prague or other cities in the Czech Republic.
Green Thursday = Green Beer
In many pubs in Czech Republic you will find green beer starting on Green Thursday. Easter green beer is a type of beer that is traditionally consumed during Easter celebrations in the Czech Republic. It is a light-colored beer with a slightly bitter taste and a green hue, which is said to be the result of adding green food coloring to the beer.
Easter green beer is usually consumed in moderation, as part of the overall celebration of the holiday season. It is a popular drink in the Czech Republic, but the origin of green beer in the Czech Republic is unclear. It is thought to be a modern tradition that has gained popularity in recent years. While not all Czechs celebrate Easter with green beer, it has become a staple of the holiday for many people in the country.
Traditional Czech Easter Food
On Easter mornings we eat Mazanec, the Easter bread, usually with butter and jam, as it is a kind of sweet bread. At the afternoon, there is also a sweet bite Velikonoční beránek (lamb pound cake, the cake in a shape of male-lamb).
There are many lamb dishes eaten on Easter and also Easter stuffing. And after Easter, we all finishing those painted boiled eggs, making egg spread or any egg recipe. Some days afte Easter no one want to see or even eat an egg.
