As it turns out, participation in the Midnight Mass, a solemn Mass celebrated on the night of December 24th to 25th is what characterises both countries. This is despite significant differences in the approach to faith among their inhabitants.
In the Czech Republic, approximately 97% of the population is atheist, yet Christmas is still one of the most important and most anticipated holidays in our country. For most Czechs, it's a time when families gather, spend time together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In most families, the Christian significance of the holiday fades into the background, but at midnight on Christmas Eve, a Midnight Mass is usually celebrated, which is often well-attended. People use this event as an opportunity to meet with friends, exchange greetings and wishes for a merry and joyful Christmas
– explains Dr Jiří Byčkov.
The Czechs, like Poles, enjoy decorating their properties for the holidays. This endeavour often relies on exceptional cooperation between neighbours in terraced houses or even residents of the same building.
All the apartments have to coordinate to get the lights to shine in a specific way. Neighbours consult with each other on how to do it and arrange them appropriately. As a result, it looks truly beautiful
– says our interlocutor.
Christmas is also related to unique traditions specific to the inhabitants of individual countries. In the Czech Republic, a popular ritual is... apple slicing.
This is my favourite custom. Cutting an apple in half brings good luck to the person and their family if a star appears in the middle. However, if a cross appears, it portends some kind of trouble, perhaps even illness, in the coming year.
– explains the native speaker of Czech.
If you are curious about how the holidays are celebrated in the Czech Republic, watch our interview with Dr Byčkov on our YouTube channel.
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