Christmas Eve is one of the most important holidays celebrated in the Czech Republic, marking the culmination of the festive season. Traditionally, it is a day full of customs, rituals, and superstitions, often with a religious undertone. The day is referred to as 'Štědrý den', which translates to 'Generous Day' stemming from the old tradition of generous sharing on this day. people usually spend the day decorating the Christmas tree and preparing for the evening feast.
The highlight of Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic is the traditional family dinner. The feast commences when the first star is spotted in the evening sky, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem. Typical dishes include fish soup, fried carp, and homemade potato salad. Before the dinner, a tradition is to fast during the day as it is believed that once you see the golden pig, you will know that your Christmas will be successful.
After dinner, families often sing Christmas carols and then exchange gifts under the Christmas tree. Another popular tradition is the cutting of an apple: if the inside reveals a star, it portends health and happiness for all in the upcoming year, while a cross signals sickness or demise. Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic is a unique blend of Christian traditions and ancient pagan rituals, combining joyous festivities with intricate customs and superstitions that give it a unique local color.