These past few days, my son has been playing this game where he says “Čert”, then runs off and hides under the covers. The first time he said it I didn’t understand what he was talking about until it occured to me that he was actually referring to a Czech christmas day tradition, the celebration of Mikuláš name day (St. Nicholas’ name day). Although Czechs don’t believe in Santa Claus, they believe in St. Nicholas, his other personality.
Because I am still not used to this name day tradition, I completely forgot about Mikuláš Day, which is a tradition that is widely celebrated here in Czech. When I saw one of my friends’ picture of the celebration, I felt bad about not giving Jakub the opportunity to celebrate this tradition. But what I saw in their school’s photo board brought a smile into my face. He was able to celebrate Mikuláš Day after all.
Earlier that day, they were drawing angels.
Then they were out for a walk. It was snowing that day.
On their way back from the walk in the locker area, the mascots for Mikuláš Day were there.
It was funny to see my son’s apprehensive face beside the devil (Čert) mascot. So this was the reason for the game.
Here in Czech, the whole celebration starts on the early evening of December 5th. Traditionally, three personalities “Mikuláš, Anděl a Čert” (St Nicholas, the angel and the Devil), visit children at home to ask them if they have been good or bad. If they have been good, they will be rewarded with candies or chocolates. Otherwise, they will be rewarded with coal or potatoes.
Mikuláš Day signals the start of Christmas. In my household, we haven’t even put up a tree yet since we are in the process of moving to our new place. I’m glad that he’s in school and got to celebrate Mikuláš Day nevertheless.
Czech the Flip 
cute…
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Thanks, Jen!
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At least I took my tree out of hiding this weekend 😉
Looks like I’ll have a kid to come and help the decorating next week – I think the Christmas spirit will hit me then 😉
Damn! i can’t believe it’s the end of the year already!!
Such a cute young man you got there Grace 😉
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At least you got that tree out already. I know, it feels like the year went by too fast. 🙂
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Love your little angel, Grace
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Yup, he is certainly brightening up each of these gloomy winter days. 🙂
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Didn’t you want to just grab hime and kiss him when you saw that picture of his apprehensive look?
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Yup, and I sure did. 🙂
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What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas. I bet you can’t wait to move into the new house and I can’t wait to get to see some of it!
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I am very anxious! The sad part is that temperatures are already sub zero here with some snow. I will need to do a lot of cleaning after the move. Just the thought of mud on the new carpet is already worrying me. 🙂
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Will you adopt the czech habit of taking your shoes off in a hall before entering rooms in your house? Years ago I thought it’s absolutely normal to do so, but after reading several posts and comments by foreigners who wonder why we do it… I’m asking 🙂
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I actually already have that policy in our place now. We even bought a couple of house slippers from Ikea for guests to wear in the new house. 🙂 I think it is a very good practice – one I intend to keep, irregardless of where we may be living. 🙂
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Hi Grace,
I love learning about the traditions of other cultures, and particularly of the Czech Republic.
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