Czech Easter

is associated with a lot of traditions and customs that originated in pagan times. It is not as common to practice these customs in cities as in villages. The traditional meal is the lamb meat and baked dessert called Easter lamb. An Easter “pomlázka” is a braided whip made from pussywillow twigs. During Easter Monday boys normally whip girls with “Pomlázka”. The original purpose of “pomlázka” tradition has symbolic meaning of chasing away illness and bad spirits and to bringing health and youth and fertility for the rest of the year. Boys sing Easter carols and they receive as a reward painted Easter eggs, other treats or alcohol. In the Czech Republic, Easter eggs, Easter lilies and lamb are the main symbols of Easter. [121, s. 17-23]