Czech

The Hussite Reformation: Life of Jan Hus and the Church

In 1414, a Czech theologian named Jan Hus was called before the Council of Constance for heresy against the Catholic Church and Pope. Jan Hus had preached about the need to reform the corruption within the Church, desiring to adhere more to a more communal Christianity that he believed the New Testament spoke of, and for that he had been excommunicated numerous times. His life up to this point set the groundwork for the eventual history of the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire to change forever.

Czech Video Games

The Czech Republic’s video games industry has become one of the country’s major exports in recent years, with a diverse range of successful game development studios, publishers, and startups. The origins of the Czech video game industry can be traced back to the country’s rich cultural heritage in arts and animation.

CCMH Wrapped: Year-in-Review

We look forward to seeing you again in 2024

Jan Kotěra: Founder of Modern Czech Architecture

Jan Kotěra was an important figure in Czech architect for his use of modern elements in his works, earning him the title of “founder of modern Czech architecture.”

Vlasta Adele Vraz : A Czech-American during Communist Czechoslovakia

Vlasta Adele Vraz was a Czech-American who served as the director of American Relief for Czechoslovakia after World War II and was arrested as a spy by the Communist government in Czechoslovakia.

Tomáš Masaryk and the United States

Tomáš Masaryk, first president of Czechoslovakia, was inspired by the freedom and democracy of the United States. While negotiating for Czechoslovakia’s independence, Masaryk developed not only political relationships, but also personal and intellectual ones with the United States.

Czech Cottage Culture

Czechoslovakia has a rich history of cottages and cabins that began at the end of the 19th century and during the Communist regime. However, the popularity of these homes decreased and then during COVID-19 a resurgence of cottage culture appeared.

A History of Czech Feminism

The once egalitarian, agrarian society of Bohemia became ruled by the Hapsburg Dynasty, causing a regression in women’s rights until Christianity helped improve their lives. The National Revival brought the creation of Czechoslovakia and greater rights for women. When communism came, rights improved in some ways and did not in others. The change to a capitalistic democracy brought further changes.

Czech National Revival

A response to increased Germanization, the Czech National Revival revived Czech literature, language, history, and politics. Increased nationalism marked this period of cultural revival.

The Legend of Lech, Cech, and Rus

The legend of the three brothers Lech, Cech, and Rus, who became the ancestors of the Polish, Czech, and Rus, explains how these cultures were created.

Czech Wine: A Brief History

From legends to wine festivals, Czech wine has a rich history. Various rulers implemented regulations for viticulture, and it eventually grew to a large scale operation in the Czech Republic.

Mushroom Foraging

Picking mushrooms is one of the most popular Czech Traditions, and considered by some to be a national sport. It is often a family activity and rich with cultural traditions.

The Forced Exile of Refugees

The Forced Exile of Refugees

From the Bolshevik Revolution to the Invasion of Ukraine, the Czech Republic has been a haven for refugees for over 100 years.

Jaroslava Brychtova (18 July 1924 – 8 April 2020)

Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský’s partnership of almost 50 years birthed some of the defining sculptural and architectural installations of the 20th century. They used their art as a form of political resistance and were inspired by early 20th-century Czech Cubism and metaphysical philosophy to work with abstraction.

Czech Beer : A Brief History

Czech Beer : A Brief History

From the Brevnov Monastery to the modern-day Pilsner, the Czech people have been enjoying beer for over a thousand years. Known as the beer of tradition, Czech beer is ingrained into history itself.

George "Papa Bear" Halas

George "Papa Bear" Halas

The Chicago Bears and its Czech origins