Maundy Thursday: The Taste of Spring
The last Thursday before Easter commemorates the Last Supper, the final meal that Christ shared with his apostles. Since the Middle Ages, green meals have been served in the Czech lands: dishes made from fresh herbs, spinach, or young nettles in order to be healthy all year round.
What you can take from it today: Take time to buy fresh vegetables and herbs, bake an herb stuffing, or have a simple green lunch. If the weather is good, you can eat outdoors – perhaps on a terrace under an awning. Fresh air and the first warm rays of the sun will give you energy for the days ahead.
Good Friday: The Day of Silence, Water, and Nature
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the quietest days of the year. A number of superstitions are associated with this day in folk culture – for instance, that ground opens up on this day to reveal its treasures, or that water possesses cleansing and healing powers.
What you can take from it today: It is an ideal day for a quiet walk in the countryside or to the waters, or for a symbolic “cleansing” – splash yourself in cold water in the morning to cleanse your body and soul. Relax with a book, knitting, or just be by yourself. Or perhaps set off with your children to search for the Good Friday treasures?
Holy Saturday: Preparations for Resurrection Sunday
Holy Saturday is the day of preparations – in earlier times, this involved cleaning one’s house, baking traditional cross buns (mazanec) and sweet Easter cakes in the shape of a lamb, and decorating eggs. It is the only day when no masses or other sacraments are celebrated in churches, except for last rites and confession. Lent ends on the night before Sunday.
What you can take from it today: Bake a traditional pastry, decorate your home with twigs in bloom, and decorate eggs together with your children. Dyeing the eggs with natural dyes (such as onion skins or red cabbage) is a lovely tradition that still entertains children today.
Easter Sunday: The Day of Rejoicing
On Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated, the day of the greatest rejoicing in the Christian tradition. It is a festive day also in the folk tradition – families gather to eat together, and the last details for the Monday carolling are worked out.
What you can take from it today: Prepare a special lunch, and weather permitting, set a table outdoors under a pergola. It is a beautiful way to celebrate spring in its first sunny days. Eat a traditional meal, or those your family prefers.
Easter Monday: Merriment, Easter Whips, and Eggs
Although not a Christian holiday, Easter Monday has been a folk day of carolling since time immemorial – a tradition to welcome spring, a relic of pagan times. Men braid Easter whips (pomlázka) to “whip” girls to stay healthy and fresh, receiving decorated eggs, sweets, chocolate, or alcohol in return. In some regions, even pouring a bucket of cold water can be witnessed. All these rituals are associated with new life, the power of spring nature, and the symbolism of fertility and purification.
What you can take from it today: Organise an Easter egg hunt for your children, prepare a breakfast outdoors, or invite your family and friends to Easter brunch. Though the weather may be unpredictable, thanks to our shading, you can enjoy the holidays in comfort outdoors, without worrying about rain or the harsh spring sun.
