items and singing Christmas carols. These markets usually open from the beginning of December until January 6th.
The 4th of December is St. Barbara holiday. We bring cherry twigs home and put them in water and wait until they bloom closer to Christmas. Blossoms remind us of winter solstice when days are becoming a bit longer.
On the 6th of December we celebrate St. Nicholas holiday. St. Nicholas was a real man and one of the first Bishops. On the evening of December 5th children wait for him to bring them a small gift and fruits if they were obedient throughout the year. This is also when we start baking cookies. Each family makes several different types, but gingerbread cookies are typical. This long tradition goes back to the 16th century when exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, and ginger were introduced to Europe from Asia. They were expensive so people could only afford them for special occasions like Christmas.
The biggest symbol of Christmas is undoubtedly a decorated Christmas tree. This tradition originally comes from Germany and goes back to the 17th century and from there gained popularity around the Christian world. In Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, the first Christmas tree was mentioned in 1812. The Czech tradition is to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve and keep it until January 6th - 3 King’s Day (Epiphany).
What makes the Czech Christmas different from the rest of the world is to celebrate and recognize December 24th as the most important event. After dinner, which typically consists of fish and potato salad, we give each other gifts under the Christmas tree. For the Czech children it is little Jesus and not Santa Claus who comes and delivers them gifts. The delivery of the gifts is announced by a tinkle of a bell done by parents. December 25th and 26th are the days when family spend time together and also visit other family members and friends.
The end of Christmas is usually on January 6th. It is the day, according to the Bible, when three Kings - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar came to welcome newborn Jesus in Bethlehem and brought him gifts. On the following day we remove the Christmas tree.
Regardless of whether Santa Claus or little Jesus brings us gifts, Christmas is the time to celebrate a new beginning. It’s the time for families and friends to come together and celebrate and enjoy the appreciation for each other. That is the pure beauty of our Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of you!