Christmas dinner

Probably the most popular part of Christmas Day which is observed by most of the people. For children, dinner is the last point before opening gifts. For parents, on the other hand, a table set is a sign that everything is going well this year.

Traditionally, it should consist of fish soup, carp and potato salad. However, people very often adapt traditional menus to their needs and tastes. In addition to carp, salmon, schnitzel or grape sausages often appear on the table.

Christmas dinner has its own rules, which are no longer strictly followed. One additional chair was placed at the table. At the same time, no one should get up from the table set until the last member of the family has milked. Superstition says that the one who gets up first will not be able to sit down next year.

Slice apples

How do you cut an apple to reveal stars? A question every adult asks. Even slicing apples is a custom that most Czechs follow. Apples are always cut after Christmas dinner. The star in the center predicts health and happiness in the family. On the other hand, crosses or worms predict illness or death.

Lead casting

Following the example of Jirka Kodet in the comedy Pelíška, few people pour lead today. If the family wants to follow this tradition, they buy ready-made sets, which are much more convenient. In addition, they contain all the necessary tools and brief instructions.

Simply pour molten lead into a container of water. The cast then narrates the future of the person. Each family member can interpret the cast in their own way.

Boat launch

Boats made of walnut shells are great fun especially for kids. According to pranostics, they can predict the future. However, everyone needs to build their own boat. He had to let her go into the water herself.

As many boats as there are family members must be placed on the water. If one of the boats drifts away, its “helmsman” goes out into the world. The rest of the family, according to tradition, must stay together.

Goldfish scales

Most people automatically put goldfish scales under the plate at dinner. It must bring money and abundance. After dinner, it must be transferred to the wallet, where it will remain until next Christmas.

As already mentioned, some families trade goldfish for steak – you can barely get the scales off of it. As with lead casting sets, individual goldfish scales can also be purchased these days.

mistletoe

A much sought after parasitic plant at Christmas. According to rumors, he has two main tasks. If two people kiss under the mistletoe, it will bring them good luck and love. And if you give someone mistletoe as a gift, it will protect them from disease.

Some Christians claim that it was originally the tree from which Joseph made the cradle for the baby Jesus. Later, the cross on which he was crucified was allegedly made from the same tree. The tree withered in shame and split into branches. By bringing happiness to people, he is said to be trying to make amends.

Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is a tradition that few people can forgive. Whether a tree made of plastic, stolen in the woods, honestly bought, or in a flower pot… Most families have one of these shapes at home.

The first truly mass deployment of Christmas trees in households occurred only after the First World War. An interesting fact is that initially the trees were not placed in special stands, but a simpler method was chosen – hanging them from the ceiling.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem symbolizes the birth of Jesus. In the center there should be a manger with the baby, and around it Mary and Joseph. No nativity scene should forget the donkey, the ox, the shepherd and the Three Kings. In households, the nativity scene comes in a variety of designs.

This year, for example, the museum in Hořice exhibited a Christmas crib made of gingerbread. We will find the largest in the region in Třebechovice pod Oreb.