- Ježíšek
Ježíšek (the
Child Jesus ) is aChristmas gift-giving figure used in theCzech Republic . Similar gift-giving figures also appear in other countries such asSlovakia (Ježiško) orHungary (Jézuska).Much like
Santa Claus , Ježíšek gives gifts to good people - that is, Czech people sendgift s to their relatives and friends and say that the gifts are from Ježíšek. The gifts are unwrapped in the family circle on the evening ofChristmas Eve . Traditionally, Ježíšek was imaged as a small child in a crib, but in present time, especially in business advertisements, images of Santa Claus are used.Ježíšek usually comes after a Christmas Eve dinner. This usually consists of
fish soup orpea soup with fried bread pieces and friedcarp withpotato salad . The meal namedKuba is also popular. Children go to their room and they look for Ježíšek on the streets. Parents put presents under the tree and ring a bell to announce that the children can return to the room.Since the 19th century, the
Christmas tree is set up on the morning of Christmas Eve and taken down on Epiphany (January 6 ). Decorations are usually glass blown ornaments, garlands, and candles, lit right when Ježíšek puts presents under the tree.See also
*
Christkind - a similar tradition in German-speaking countriesExternal links
* [http://www.anti-santa.cz/index_en.php Anti-santa.cz] initiative to protect Ježíšek against
Santa Claus
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