Traditional Czech Christmas Greeting: Vesele Vanoce
In the Czech Republic, St. Nicholas Eve is celebrated Dec. 5, when the saint, accompanied by a good and bad angel, visits children, bringing gifts to those who have behaved. On Christmas Eve, families gather to enjoy a feast featuring baked carp and kuba (a barley, mushroom, onion casserole). Many Czechs fast the 24 hours before Christmas Eve. One tradition holds that those who abide by the fast may be lucky and witness a magical golden pig "dancing" on the wall!
In the Czech Republic, St. Nicholas Eve is celebrated Dec. 5, when the saint, accompanied by a good and bad angel, visits children, bringing gifts to those who have behaved. On Christmas Eve, families gather to enjoy a feast featuring baked carp and kuba (a barley, mushroom, onion casserole). Many Czechs fast the 24 hours before Christmas Eve. One tradition holds that those who abide by the fast may be lucky and witness a magical golden pig "dancing" on the wall!