Traditions of the Czech Republic: May 1 - Czech version of the St. Valentine´s Day

in #culture6 years ago (edited)

Hi everyone,

I told you something about how we celebrate Easter in the Czech Republic a few weeks ago and today, I would like to share another interesting Czech tradition with you.

Today is the First of May, which is the International Workers ´ Day in many countries all over the world, including the Czech Republic. However, there is another reason why this day is so popular in my homeland. Known as the "Lovers´ Day", May 1 is similar to the St. Valentine´s Day, a holiday observed worldwide on February 14.

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Source: torange.biz (Creative Commons)

According to the old Czech tradition, all girls and women should be kissed under a blooming tree (preferably a cherry tree) on that day so that they will stay healthy and beautiful for the rest of the year.

Petřín_k..macha_statue.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons)

There is also a certain place that is extremely popular among in-love couples on May 1 - the Petrin Hill in Prague. The hill is home to a sculpture of Karel Hynek Macha, a prominent Czech poet and romantic author who is best known for his iconic romantic poem "Maj" (May in English) that is set on the evening of May 1.


Please feel free to check out some of my other recent posts.

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Tomas
CEO & Founder of CGH

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What I love about travel is to learn about and experience the cultures of different countries. The food, music, art, especially the countryside and local people. When I lived in the US, I had two close friends from the Czech Republic. These friends and their families were some of the genuinely nice and good people I have ever met.
In Canada, where my family is from, the celebrate May 1 and call it May Day. If a girl liked a boy, she had to make a basket (called a May basket) and she would put it in front of a boy she liked and yell “May Day!” Then she would run! If the boy liked her her would run after her and when he caught her, like your custom, kiss her!
Thanks for this glimpse in the Czech culture.
Daddy William

Wow! That is something new to me. What a nice tradition to share. Thank you so much for that.

It is my pleasure! I truly enjoyed your post! I have been to 35 countries. I live in the Philippines at this time. I have been trying to get my photo library, on CD sent to me. The folks in the states can’t seem to find them. When I get them, I would do some travel type posts.
Thank you!

People of Czech Republic are lively and love to celebrate events. They are making alive their old tradition. I think May is the month of many events in Czech Republic. Although this event totally belongs to love bird. Celebrating events show the lively hearted nature of nation and people of Czech Republic is lively hearted. After seeing your post on your culture, tradition and history of your homeland i also started posting to promote my homeland. Thanks for a nice idea. keep it up @czechglobalhosts
Thanks for sharing.

Wow, I am pleased to hear that I have inspired you to blog about your homeland... That is so cool!

While it is Labour Day in my country but still the labors are doing hard work from day to eve. They don't skip it as they will lose the earning of that day! I give them a salute for their hard work and dignity! It is something strange to know about your country's tradition. As the whole world is having labour day and you are celebrating lovers day!

We do celebrate both at once:)... It works well and goes hand in hand, lol.....

labor day!
But labor can't celebrate this day :( ask me why? because they are still working to get some bucks to support their families :(
and that makes very sad :(
I don't about your country but this is happening in my country :(

Everyone except labor is resting but labor is working :)

It kinda new thing added to my.dictionary!
So.the people in prague celebrates two valentin's day?

Oh well, this is more of a tradition when women get kissed under the tree.... not such a big deal as Valentine´s day but a cute tradition:)

Ahaan ;) love in the air!

Wow! This is very interesting place occasion. So for the kissing aspect, is it just for couples or both married and unmarried girls/women and why must it be under a blooming tree?

It really is for any women, single or married, your and old:)

What :o anyone kiss anyone? :o

@czechglobalhosts, You're pretty impressive man to me coz you update every Czech Republic's news to us. You all know we celebrated with international labor day everywhere. But I didn't know It's Prague's lovely day.

According to the old Czech tradition, all girls and women should be kissed under a blooming tree (preferably a cherry tree) on that day so that they will stay healthy and beautiful for the rest of the year.

Wow...What a romantic moment with kissing couple. I ask you a question from you. Before marriage did you faced above moment. No worries. This is a reasons I prefer to live Czech seriously.

The tradition is for all, single or married, young or old.... no restrictions:)... just kissing all around, lol.....

that is interesting !
there will be record number of kisses on this day

LOL, I suppose so:)

the very nice post I love to travel... thakns for share

This picture i took about 4 days ago a Krabi at Thailand. Emerald pools Nature park is awesome place where you can go relax and swim anytime. Entry is 200Thb for foreigners and 40Thb for locals. At picture is Blue Pool where you actualy can not swim because on bottom is sinking mud and is very dangerous.I Took picture with Samsung Note 8.U5dsbz9sMipNBT9ejcia1Zrb6XHgmYR_1680x8400.jpg

This great culture, I appreciate your traveling...
Best of luck my friend.....

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