History

An Army with No Country: A Siberian Odyssey 

An Army with No Country: A Siberian Odyssey 

It’s the First World War, and the Czechoslovaks got to get their soldiers from Ukraine to France, but without going through a Central Powers country or a sea without enemy ships. What do they do? Naturally, they go East: fight through the Bolsheviks, take over the Russian railway network, capture most of Siberia, and reach Vladivostok before the ships arrive to get you home. All this while losing less than 10% of your men over three years of fighting. It might sound crazy, but this is just the 2nd part to the story of the Czechoslovak Legion.

An Army with No Country: The Czechoslovak Legion in Europe

An Army with No Country:  The Czechoslovak Legion in Europe

The Czechoslovak Legion and their story in a war torn Europe

Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

Rock Music in Czechoslovakia

A short history on rock music in Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovakia and their only naval battle

Czechoslovakia and their only naval battle

A short story on Czechoslovakia’s only naval battle.

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!

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.

Jan Žižka

Jan Žižka

Jan Žižka was born circa 1360 in Trocnov, Kingdom of Bohemia. He spent his early years growing up at court, being a squire and subsequently a bodyguard for King Wenceslas IV of Bohemia. He lost an eye at an early age, saddling him with the nickname "One-eyed Žižka."

Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

Věra Čáslavská: Athlete and Activist

Athletes have long been using their high-visibility platforms to comment on social issues and raise awareness. Věra Čáslavská, a gymnast from the now Czech Republic, is not only famous for her unparalleled success at the Olympic Games but her strong stance against the Soviet invasion of her country.

Prague Spring

Prague Spring

In January of 1968, a season of reformation had begun to blossom in a country located in the Iron Curtain's shadow. This movement in Czechoslovakia where government leaders pushed for greater freedom for its citizens came to be known as Prague Spring.

The Mystery of the Voynich Manuscript

The Mystery of the Voynich Manuscript

In 1912, a strange manuscript surfaced in the collection of an antique-bookseller. It is written in a language that is not found anywhere else, contains pictures of plants that can not be identified, and astrological charts that don't match any records. The text today is known as the Voynich Manuscript, and it has been called one of the most mysterious books in the world.

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.

Helga Weiss - How a young Hero survived Terror through Art

Helga Weiss - How a young Hero survived Terror through Art

Through her diary and art, Helga Weiss tells her story of survival and coping through the Holocausts. After being transported to Terezín at age 14, Helga clung to writing and art, depicting everyday life in the camp. Today her diary and art are known by many and has reached millions.

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.

Bohemian Glass Artistry

Bohemian Glass Artistry

Having a rich and extensive history of glass working, historical findings show evidence of glass processing in the Bohemia region at the beginning of the Christian calendar about 2000 years ago. Although Bohemian glass working experienced many revivals and declines, it has consistently remained revered in the international stage throughout the years.

Prague's Holy Infant Jesus' Fancy Fashion

Prague's Holy Infant Jesus' Fancy Fashion

Did you know about the fashionable infant Jesus of Prague? Find out more in our blog post how Carmelite nuns routinely clothe the statue in luxurious fabrics. Have an insight into Infant Jesus’ large wardrobe consisting of forty-six ropes.

The History of Krtek (The Little Mole)

The History of Krtek (The Little Mole)

Krtek, or Mole in English, is an animated character in a series of cartoons created by Czech animator Zdeněk Miler.
Miler wanted to create a children's cartoon that had a strong Disney influence by having an animal as the main character. He decided to pick a mole after stumbling over a molehill during a walk. The first film, called "Jak krtek ke kalhotkám přišel" ("How the mole got his trousers"), was about how Krtek got help from other animals with different skillsets to join efforts and make a pair of pants from scratch. This little film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 1957, where it was awarded two Golden LionsMiler wanted to create a children's cartoon that had a strong Disney influence by having an animal as the main character. He decided to pick a mole after stumbling over a molehill during a walk. The first film, called "Jak krtek ke kalhotkám přišel" ("How the mole got his trousers"), was about how Krtek got help from other animals with different skillsets to join efforts and make a pair of pants from scratch. This little film had its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 1957.