Adjusting pagan Easter traditions for a modern Czech Easter
Explaining Easter traditions in the Czech Republic to non-Czechs like myself often stirs up controversy. Why do Czechs celebrate Easter on the Monday after Easter Sunday? Do Czech men and boys really go door-to-door brandishing whips made from braided pussy-willow branches? Why are Czech women expected to reward men after receiving a whipping with ribbons, hand-decorated eggs, chocolates and shots of liquor? Along with learning an Easter poem to recite, do Czech boys also learn to make whips in their preschool? How have these pagan customs remained a part of a modern 21st century Czech Easter celebration?
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