Czech Christmas

is very specific. The vast majority of Czechs are atheist, therefore Christmas is losing its Christian form, but it is traditionally spent with the family. Christmas gifts are handed out on 24 December by Baby Jesus. One traditional Czech Christmas dish is carp with potato salad and also most families bake homemade Christmas cookies. A special custom Czechs practice is the process of preparation of the carp. It is bought alive, kept in the bath and then prepared and served their owner itself. During Christmas Eve it is used to perform folk customs such as: day fast associated with a golden pig, lead casting, throwing a shoe, slicing an apple or fortunetelling walnut boats etc. Other traditional Christmas symbols are: Christmas tree, Bethlehem and carols. [121, s. 73-79]