The Czech Republic is the second most atheist country in Europe, but we have a deep affection for Christmas. While you can find plenty of information about Czech Christmas traditions online, this article aims to uncover some lesser-known facts, amusing customs, and quirky habits that we observe each year—often without recognizing how amusing or strange they may seem to those from abroad. Enjoy the read!
Who is writing you this blog?
My name is Dana, and I am running a small local business called Prague Behind The Scenes, where I offer clients a unique perspective of downtown Prague, away from the typical tourist experience. I do tours without microphones or umbrellas, focusing on small groups, and avoiding common tourist clichés. I also enjoy writing about Prague and highlight lesser-known facts that aren’t easily found online. Today, I’m sharing insights about some bizarre Czech Christmas traditions.
1. Who brings the gifts to Czech people? Baby Jesus!
I feel like I need to start with this: In the Czech Republic, Santa Claus only brings Coca-Cola (in the Christmas commercial on TV) but not Christmas gifts! For delivering gifts we have a super efficient „Baby Jesus“ called „Ježíšek“ ; who can carry all the presents and distribute them all over the country and even to Slovakia! But…nobody really knows how he looks like. Because Ježíšek comes secretly, usually when the family is eating the festive dinner or singing carrols. We think it´s a cute toddler with blond, curly hair. He ropes down from the sky on golden chain.
2. No shower before Christmas
Just kidding. Well, to make it clearer… the typical Czech Christmas meal on Christmas Eve is carp soup and fried carp served with potato salad. However, some Czechs buy these carps alive before Christmas and keep them in a bathtub at home. Kids like watching these poor slimy guys swimming in the water. The temporary zoo in the bathroom means no showers for Czechs.
Now you might be wondering what comes next… regarding the carp and the dirty Czechs… there are two possible outcomes:
1) The carp is killed, Czechs take a shower and eat the carp for dinner.
2) The carp is returned to the river where it usually dies of temperature shock, Czechs take a shower and eat schnitzel instead.
I am a vegetarian and don´t practice any of these things mentioned above.
3. We go hungry on Christmas day (December 24).
Some people, including kids, follow a nice old tradition of fasting on Christmas day because those who don’t eat all day will see a golden pig on the wall in the evening. The golden pig on the wall is a promise of wealth, happiness, and prosperity. From the hunger, you may have various visions and maybe even see the golden pig…!!! 🙂
My tip: if you come across golden pigs (in ceramics, paper, etc.) while visiting Prague, be sure to buy one. They are among the most iconic symbols of our Christmas traditions and make for a unique gift from the Czech Republic. For instance, I send my international friends a Christmas card featuring a golden pig.
4. We cook fragrances
Czech Christmas smells like „purpura“ – a lovely, homey, herbal, spice-like scent typical for this season. If you’re asking what purpura is, I say that’s a pretty good question. Even some Czechs don’t know what this fragrance consists of. Czech purpura is a blend of herbs and spices, barks, needles and natural essences resembling mess or sawdust. Once we have a package of purpura at home, we take it to the kitchen! Look why…
We start by taking a sheet of tinfoil and placing a handful of purpura on it. Next, we set it on the electric cooker or heat it in the oven. Once the aroma becomes strong enough without any visible flames (joke:-), take a stroll around your apartment to spread the delightful Christmas scent throughout. We absolutely love this! Czech purpura can be found at every Christmas market, in flower shops, or at hobby stores, priced at around 50 CZK (2 Euro). It’s an easy way to bring a piece of the Czech Christmas spirit into your home.
5. Better cash flow with carp scales
Carp scales symbolize money (coins) and Czechs have a tradition of keeping carp scales in their wallets for financial luck. A couple of scales are wrapped in tissue and placed under plates during Christmas dinner, and once found, they are immediately added to wallets for prosperity in the coming year.
6. Sit and eat, you can´t leave!
This is a rather scary, dark tradition causing a lot of stress. Once the dinner starts, nobody is allowed to leave the table until everybody finishes their meal. So everything needs to be ready, prepared, close at hand and served: meals, drinks, salt, pepper, cameras, tissues, water, beer, glasses, etc. Otherwise, if you leave the table, something bad may happen to you during the next year. You’d better go to pee before you sit down.
7. Number of the plates on the table is important
No matter how many people come over for Christmas dinner, there always needs to be an even number of plates set on the table. If you are a group of 3, you set the table for 4. Why? Because it is tradition and odd numbers bring bad luck and illness. Since we are incredibly sensitive and superstitious during the Christmas time, we like to follow all these funny rules and old traditions Just in case…
And that´s it. Czech Christmas are beautiful but probably a bit crazy to you. Let me know what you think 🙂 If you are in Prague during Christmas, I wish you a lovely memorable holidays!
Merry Christmas, everyone 🙂
Dana, owner and guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | small-group tours and experiences.
If you find my articles interesting, you can gift me a virtual coffee to fuel my writing spirit. Thank you for your kind support.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to see Prague with me: dana@praguebehindthescenes.com
Where to next?
3-hour private tour of Prague downtown with Dana
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