Celebrations

Have you ever wondered why your Eastern European friends dress up as devils or why do they build some voodoo figure made out of sticks?

Say no more and let us introduce you to all the quirky and fabulous celebrations all around Eastern Europe!

Easter Monday in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Easter

The celebration of Easter in Czech Republic and Slovakia is rather unusual. On Easter Monday boys have to braid willow branches together and decorate them with colourful ribbons to then use them to whip girls while singing an Easter themed song. The whipping should bring luck and fertility to the household. As an act of gratitude the woman have to give painted eggs and sweets or alcohol to them. In Slovakia and certain parts of Czech Republic the boys instead of whipping, pour a bucket of cold water on the girls.

Date: Easter Monday

Saint Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas

The tradition of St. Nicholas day can be found in most of Eastern Europe with certain specificity to different regions. St Nicholas walks from house to house and asks children whether they have been good in the past year. The children are supposed to sing a song or recite a poem. In Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine St Nicholas is accompanied by Angel, representing the Good and gives out sweets to good children and by Devil, representing the Evil. If the kid acts bratty the Devil often puts the kid in a sack, threatening to take she or he to hell or hands out a bag full of coal instead of sweets.

Date: 5th of December

Farewell to Winter - Maslenitsa

Maslenitsa

Maslenitsa is traditional folk celebration in almost all Slavic countries. However, the time and some details different from country to country. The main ritual of this tradition is the burning of straw figure that represents the Winter, which is accompanied by huge folk festivals . In Russia this celebration is also known as pancake week, as the celebrations are full of eating traditional Russian pancakes called blini, filled with various fillings including caviar and sour cream. In Czech Republic and Slovakia is this tradition followed by the celebration of day of Love, nowadays mainly celebrated by kissing under the blooming tree, which should make the couples love stronger.

Date: The last week before Great Lent