Easter in Czech: from Ugly Wednesday to pomlázka

Blue Monday and Gray Tuesday: time for spring cleaning

Blue Monday probably owes its name to the blue cloth used to decorate churches. Gray Tuesday, also called Yellow Tuesday, depending on the weather, refers to the tradition of spring cleaning, during which cobwebs symbolizing winter neglect were removed.

Ugly Wednesday: a day of smiling and cleansing

Ugly Wednesday commemorates the betrayal of Judas. On this day, it was recommended to smile to avoid sadness on the following Wednesdays of the year. Traditionally, soot was swept from chimneys, which symbolized cleansing the home of negative energy. On this day, in the evening, Judas buns were baked - yeast buns rubbed with honey. They were eaten at dawn on Holy Thursday to protect against betrayal and misfortune.

Green Thursday: harmony with nature

Green Thursday is a day for gardening, which is supposed to ensure a bountiful harvest. Green foods, such as spinach or lettuce, were eaten, symbolizing health and rebirth. On this day, church bells fall silent, in accordance with the belief that they are flying to Rome, and their role is taken over by wooden clappers.

Good Friday: silence and reflection

On Good Friday, all Christians are required to fast. In the Czech Republic, the traditional holiday fish is carp. Trout is also popular, and those who don't like fish choose a simple meatless meal. In many Czech towns, the custom of using clappers instead of bells, which remain silent as a sign of mourning, has been preserved.

White Saturday: preparations for the celebration

White Saturday is a time of intensive preparations for Easter Sunday. Traditionally, rooms were painted white and houses were cleaned. On this day, people baked mazance, which are sweet yeast cakes with raisins, Easter lambs, and prepared other delicacies.

Easter Monday: pomlázka

The most characteristic Easter Monday custom is pomlázka – the symbolic whipping of women with willow rods, intended to ensure their health and beauty.

To this day, sometimes pomlázkas are several meters long. Of course, they are only used for decoration. The custom of going from house to house with a rod is still cultivated in many villages and towns, especially in Moravia. In some regions of the Czech Republic, there is a tradition of pouring water on Easter Monday.

Ideas for spring – and not only – trips to the Czech Republic can be found on the website visitczechia.com