Culture

Stefan Banic: The Man Behind the Parachute Innovation

Stefan Banic: The Man Behind the Parachute Innovation

Stefan Banic was a Slovak inventor who constructed a prototype of a parachute in 1913 and tested it in Washington D.C. in front of the U.S. Patent Office and military representatives by jumping from a 41-floor building and subsequently from an airplane in 1914. When no one was interested in buying his invention, Mr. Banic donated his patent to the United States Army Balloon Corps, in return for which the Army made him an honorary officer, even though he never could obtain United States citizenship. His patented parachute became standard equipment for U.S. pilots during the First World War.

Linden Tree Chronicles

Linden Tree Chronicles

Linden Trees hold significant symbolism in many cultures around the world, including Slovakian and Czech culture. In Slovakia, they symbolize peace, unity, and protection, just as they do in Greek, Norse, and Baltic mythology. Linden Trees have a wide array of uses and applications, including medicinal and herbal usage. The tree's appeal is both everlasting and worldwide.

July 5: Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius

July 5: Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Saints Cyril and Methodius have shaped the history of Christianity and even language in Eastern Europe. By translating the Holy Bible into the Slavic languages, they were able to convert many Slavs to Christianity. Their efforts have resulted in the existence of the Cyrillic Alphabet through the development of the Glagolitic Alphabet, for example. July 5 is the day when the Saints’ far-reaching efforts are recognized.

Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

The history on rock music in Czechoslovakia begins with its introduction in the early 1950s, beginning apolitically. By 1968, the apolitical aspect changed, in response to the 1968 Soviet bloc invasion, causing rock music to finally rebel and criticize the government, through satire and cryptic messaging, as the lyrics and content of rock songs were monitored.

Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

Ten Popular Breweries in the Czech Republic

Ten small breweries in the Czech Republic that you should Czech out!

Ride of the Kings

Ride of the Kings

Each spring, people in the Czech Republic celebrate many different events and holidays. The Ride of the Kings is one of the Czech Republic’s many unique customs. It is so deeply rooted in the history and culture of the area that it was placed on the UNESCO heritage list and has been painted, photographed, and filmed to preserve its tradition.

Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

Celebrating Czech Heritage in America

In 2019, over 2 million people in the United States reported being of Czech or Slovak heritage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many of these individuals are descendants of Czech immigrants that have developed their own unique culture that blends their Czech heritage with American traditions.

Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk

Czechia is home to twelve different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each one with something different to offer visitors. One of these sites, Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk, has a uniquely designed and beautiful building and a fascinating history.

10th Anniversary of Krtek in Space

10th Anniversary of Krtek in Space

Today, March 5th, 2021, marks the 10th anniversary of the little mole's flight into space with American astronaut Andrew Feustel onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour's mission STS-134.

Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. This complex is the largest in the world, and people from around the world visit to marvel at the site. Inside the castle complex lies St. Vitus Cathedral, the biggest cathedral in the Czech Republic and a wonder of Gothic architecture.

Joža Uprka

Joža Uprka

The traditional folk costumes worn in Czechia are one aspect of the country's cultural heritage perhaps most well-known. These clothes vary from region to region, and one artist, Joža Uprka, is particularly famous for his paintings capturing his home's unique style.

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

The Czechs have many unique cultural traditions. As we approach the holiday season, let's visit the tradition that kicks off Czechia's holidays, St. Nicholas Day.

Czech and American Carols

Czech and American Carols

As much as we might resist them, carols help create and spread a festive spirit. These songs are popular worldwide and have a long history that dates as far back as the 15th century.

Picasso's Legacy in Prague

Picasso's Legacy in Prague

It is well known that the city of Prague in the Czech Republic is home to some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. It is also home to a piece of Pablo Picasso’s legacy, one of the best-known representations of Cubist architecture in the world, the House at the Black Madonna.

Ice Hockey: One of the Czech Republic's Most Popular Sports

Ice Hockey: One of the Czech Republic's Most Popular Sports

If you were to name a country where ice hockey was a closely followed sport, the Czech Republic may not be high up on the list. But Czech teams have grown from humble beginnings to become some of the most formidable players in the world today.

The Mullet: The Most Infamous Haircut of All

The Mullet: The Most Infamous Haircut of All

Thus, of all things to creep into 2020, the mullet– a fashion statement that’s typically reserved for the ‘80s and ‘90s regrets, jokes at the expense of Billy Ray Cyrus and Jerry Seinfeld, or a mugshot in a “Florida Man…” news article– reemerged from its cave.

“Veselé Velikonoce!”, Unique Czech Easter Traditions

“Veselé Velikonoce!”, Unique Czech Easter Traditions

Learn more about Czech Easter traditions such as pomlázkas.

The Golden Age of Hollywood and Czech Crystal

The Golden Age of Hollywood and Czech Crystal

In classic Hollywood films, beautiful women are swept off their feet by modern men who work hard to earn their place in society. The characters are well-defined, action-oriented tools of the narrative. But more than that, the actresses became celebrity icons of culture, parading in beautiful costumes and adorning their ornate homes with enviable things, including handmade imported Bohemian Crystal boudoir accessories and perfume bottles. You may recognize some of these paragons of classic American culture, including Liz Taylor, as they pose below with perfume bottles and crystal pieces on their vanities.

Traveling the world from homes' safety

Traveling the world from homes' safety

Cooking Czech style dishes can be a great way to do all of these things. Czech cuisine consists of thick soups and many kinds of sauces, both based on stewed or cooked vegetables and meats, often with cream and baked meats with natural gravies, are popular dishes usually accompanied with beer, especially Pilsner. Czechia natives consume the most in the world. These dishes include ingredients that you already have in your home or readily available in most grocery stores.