CHRISTMAS

Christmas in Czech republic Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and every year we commemorate his birthday. In Czech Republic, four weeks before Christmas begins Advent. We decorate our houses with a Christmas wreath and candles. We say to little children that presents carries Ježíšek but everybody run from the shop to the shop and look for some presents and everybody make a big Christmas cleaning.

Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, in the morning, we decorate a Christmas tree with electric lights, little things made of straw, glass balls and some sweets.. We don´t eat anything all day, but the Christmas Dinner is very rich. We relax, watch fairy tales or we go to the square for the Christmas punches. In the evening we secretly give presents under the Christmas tree. Then we do a Christmas dinner. Under the plates we give fish scale, because we will have lots of money. We start the dinner with traditional Christmas soup and we finish the dinner with fried carp and potato salad. During the dinner we drink some wine, water or Kofola. After the dinner we jingle bell and unpack presents and we listen Christmas Carols. Then we watch TV, talk, drink and eat sweets. At 10 o´clock p.m. we go to Midnight Mass. Then we go to bed with a satisfied feeling.

What brings good luck and bad luck? What brings good luck and bad luck? Before midnight should not: Before midnight should not: Sew and knit- mouses would destroy creation Do the washing- it's bad luck and misfortune Clean up cowshed and stables- cattle would then limp Write a love letter- it would mean farewell What brings luck? What brings luck? Bread baked on the 25th December and eggs laid on the same day are supposedly magical

Christmas customs and traditions

Kite boats One of the most popular Christmas traditions is letting boats from walnut shell, which we proclaim our future. Everyone must make a boat alone. We crack walnut, from which we select the core. In the shell we drip a wax and fix a small candle. Each shell represents one family member, boats will tell us if the family will next year stick together or if distribute. If the shell of a member completely sink, interprets it mostly as a departure person from the house.

Christmas casting lead We melt lead and pour it into cold water. Solidification of lead in water resulting abstract shapes the cloudy appearance. Each shape has its own interpretation.

Cutting apples We cut apples and if we will see a star it means that we will be healthy. If we will see a cross it means that we must watch out for our health.

Throwing slipper Throwing slippers or shoes over their heads is a Christmas custom specified for unmarried girl. If the slipper turns heel to the door it means that girl stay at home. If the slipper turns tip to the door it means that girl married.

NEW YEAR´S EVE NEW YEAR´S

History In the 16 of century at the most Christian countries stabilized Gregorian calendar and the beginning of the New Year – 1st January. The people visited church, thanked for a good last year and hoped for a good new year. In the 19 of century was the New Year´s Eve more interesting. On the streets, in the restaurants, bars were shows, many foods and a big fireworks. Today the celebrations are with an alcohol, cakes, sweet desserts, sandwiches and appetizers.

31st December is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. It is widely known as New Year's Eve since the following day is New Year's Day. It is the last day of the year. It is the most cheerful celebration, the people usually celebrate with friends, family in the restaurants, clubs, on the streets, squares, at home. These celebrations ending until in the morning - 1st January. The adult people drink an alcohol, some of the people eat sandwiches, appetizers, chips or chopsticks all night. Final minutes of old the year are count off together. When the midnight snubbed, the fireworks start. New Year´s we welcome with toast of champagne sect. NEW YEAR´S EVE

Night before New Year´s Eve housekeeper can´t dry laundry – it means death someone of the family in the next year. Weather lore -“ As the new year and throughout the year“ At the midnight eat boiled pork with apples mean luck. Which person of the family gets up late, was exhibit to ridicule. It is saying that mustn´t sweep from the room so that didn´t sweep luck, mustn´t eat poultry, fish, hare too. On the New Year's table is lentil soup = much money, pork meat – the pig has luck New Year's Eve and New Year customs