Did you know that Christmas in the Czech Republic is celebrated differently
than in the U.S. or U.K.? Here’s a glimpse into the traditions—and the
opportunities they bring to share the Gospel.
In the Czech Republic, the heart
of the Christmas celebration is Štědrý den (“Generous Day”) on December 24th. 🎅🏽
While many in the U.S. and the U.K. think of Christmas Eve as a time for
last-minute preparations or a family dinner, here in the Czech Republic,
Christmas Eve is the main event! 🥳 Families often fast throughout the day (some
even tell children they might see a “golden pig” 🐖 if they manage to hold
out!). The evening meal is a feast typically of fish soup 🐟 and fried carp with
homemade potato salad. 🥔 Gifts 🎁 are exchanged after dinner, not delivered by
Santa Claus, but by Ježíšek (“Baby Jesus”), who is said to bring presents to
families. Children eagerly await the ringing of a bell 🔔, signaling that
Ježíšek has passed by and left their gifts under the tree. 🎄
Unlike in the U.S.
or U.K., Santa Claus (Svatý Mikuláš, or St. Nicholas) doesn’t make an appearance
at Christmas in the Czech tradition. 🎅🏽 Instead, he visits on St. Nicholas’s
Day, December 6th. Dressed as a bishop, he’s accompanied by a devilish figure
called čert (“the devil”) 😈 and an angel. 👼 Together, they visit children,
giving candy 🍬 to those who have behaved well and a symbolic golden birch 🌿 to
those who have misbehaved. This unique tradition reflects the Czech blend of
folklore and faith, reminding children of the importance of virtue and good
deeds.
Interestingly, even though the Czech Republic is one of the most
atheistic countries in the world, Christmas remains a deeply significant
cultural and public holiday. 🕯️ Many people still gather for Midnight Mass in
Roman Catholic churches on Christmas Eve—a reminder of the holiday’s Christian
origins. For many atheistic Czechs, this might be one of the only times of the
year they engage with faith, even if only culturally. 🙏 This creates unique
opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas in a society that may
otherwise seem indifferent to the Gospel.
The contrast is striking: on one hand,
traditions like the giving of gifts by Baby Jesus point back to Christ’s birth;
on the other, many Czechs have little understanding of the Gospel story and
significance behind these celebrations. 🌟 For Christians, this cultural tension
is an open door to share why Christmas is not just about tradition, but about
the greatest gift ever given: the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.
✝️
Wherever you are celebrating this Christmas season, whether in the U.S., the
U.K., or elsewhere, would you take a moment to pray for the Czech people? 🙌 Ask
God to use these cherished traditions as opportunities to introduce them to the
hope and joy of the Gospel.
🎄 Merry Christmas from Prague to all our friends
and supporters around the world. 🌍 May the true Light of Christmas shine
brightly in your celebrations this year! ✨
