Easter 2011 in the Czech Republic

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After the long winter, we all need to recharge our batteries and invigorate our body and mind. The best solution is a visit to one of the 37 spa destinations to be found in the Czech Republic. A special Easter package has for example been prepared for you by the Velké Losiny Thermal spa (www.lazne-losiny.cz). After undergoing spa procedures, you can enjoy a dish from the Easter menu and Easter entertainment with live music is planned for the evening. The Central Bohemian Lázně Poděbrady (www.lazne-podebrady.cz) offers its visitors a relaxation and Easter cultural programme and of course spa procedures too. Easter stays have also for example been prepared for guests by the West Bohemian Mariánské Lázně (www.marianskelazne.cz), Františkovy Lázně (www.franzensbad.cz) or Lázně Libverda (www.lazne-libverda.cz) in the Jizera Mountains.

The most important Christian festivals are linked with many folk customs and traditions in the Czech Republic. Other than painted Easter eggs, the plaited whip is also a symbol of Czech Easter, plaited from sticks of willow and decorated with ribbons. Boys and even grown men can be seen on Easter Monday carolling and symbolically whipping girls and women with their whips. The women then reward them with painted eggs. In certain regions however, brave girls get their revenge by pouring buckets of cold water over the boys´ heads. According to folk tradition however, whipping is supposed to impart beauty and vitality to the woman for the whole year. The custom of rattles is still upheld in certain regions. Boys go from door to door in the villages from Thursday to Saturday making a noise with their rattles, thus calling believers to the churches instead of the bells, which have flown away to Rome.