CZECHOSLOVAK TRADITIONS

Here are some CZECHOSLOVAK TRADITIONS...

• Christmas Eve Traditions...
• When it is time to eat, the whole family sits around the dinner table and all of the lights are turned off. One of the children comes into the room carrying a candle and bread with honey (to protect against evil) and garlic (for protection and strength) . The child says, "Dobr ý večcer," which means "Good evening." The candle, bread, honey and garlic are placed in the middle of the table. The bread is sliced and everyone is given a piece, the oldest being served first. The bread is then eaten with the honey and garlic.
• Another traditional food eaten on Christmas Eve and Christmas is called "Kapustnica." Kapustnica, also know as sauerkraut or sour soup, is made from many ingredients, such as sauerkraut, pork, sausages, paprika and caraway seeds.
• During dinner, everyone must wait until all present at the table are finished eating. When each person is finished, everyone gets up at the same time because it was believed that if someone stood up first, it was an omen of their death within the year. 



Faworki, my favorite!!!
polandian.wordpress.com

• Food is a very important part of Czechoslovak culture. Some traditional foods are: pierogis/knedliky (dumplings), babka (bread with walnuts and poppyseeds), faworki (light, crunchy, powdered pastries...my favorite!!)...and Czechs put paprika (a spice) and caraway seeds in everything!!
• Family is also an integral part of Czechoslovak culture and families tend to be matriarchal (meaning the women are the head of the family).
• Some Czech words that my grandmother taught me when I was a little girl are: "Dobrý den" (good day), "Dobrou noc" (good night), "Dobrý spánek" (Good sleep), "Děekuji vám, dítěe" (Thank you, child) and "Jak se máte"(How are you?).
• "Teče voda, teče" is a traditional Czech folk song about love (I sang it in my high school choir)...look for my next post (the song)!!
• Sources: http://archiv.radio.cz/christmas/customs.html ; http://www.slovakcooking.com/2009/recipes/kapustnica/ and my own knowledge; Check out these sites for more information on Czechoslovak traditions and Slovak recipes!!

--Miss H.