culture

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.

Casanova's time in Bohemia

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova, a man whose name has become synonymous with womanizing, spent his final years and composed a rich autobiography in Bohemia.

Prague Travel Guide

Prague Travel Guide

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a popular destination for tourists. It is ranked as the 20th most visited city in the world and hosts around eight million tourists each year.

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.

Czech Street Food

Czech Street Food

Food is one aspect of culture that is almost universally accessible. For many traveling, trying different cuisines, especially street foods, is an exciting part of visiting a new country. The Czech Republic has its own unique kitchen, and although the popularity of street foods is still growing, there are some dishes that are well-known in the country.

The Slavic Circle

The Slavic Circle

The circle is one of the most widespread and universal symbols. It commonly represents unity, wholeness, and infinity. In Slavic culture, it is especially important, often associated with the Sun, protection, and rebirth. Perhaps some of the most preserved examples of this symbol are the Slavic circle dances: kolo and khorovod.

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.

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.