If today’s Praguer took history a hundred years, he would not be so surprised. In the 1920s, it was celebrated almost as much as it is today. He would be more surprised by the little things. At that time, the habits that persisted over time persisted. “Apart from carp, snails also belonged to the Christmas table as an appetizer. They came in handy because they were fasting food. It would probably stop a lot of people today, “says Martin Franc, a seasoned historian at the Academy of Sciences.

Families prepared them themselves, cooking was quite difficult. “However, we are still at a time when the families of middle-class companies used to have maids on hand. Snails have disappeared from the menu due to the fact that if they are not sold ready in advance, cooking can be very time-consuming, “adds the historian from the Department of History. He had even tasted them himself. He must not miss his home on Christmas Day.

Such a normal Christmas

A hundred days ago, the usual holiday differed only in small details. “For example, period cooks from the early 1920s anticipate that sweets usually only decorate a tree,” explains Martin Franc. Confectionery served as a decoration. At that time, it was not expected that people would bake sweets to a large extent. It was no longer expected that Linz cakes and rolls would be created, which would be difficult to hold on to the tree.

Christmas days used to be very popular walks. In addition, the women needed to drive the children out of the house under the supervision of their husbands so that they would not get confused during her cleaning and preparations for the holiday board. The food that was consumed on the menu was quite time consuming. At that time, carp was often prepared in blue or black in sauce. He did not serve potato salad, but dumplings.

Black carp is difficult to prepare with many ingredients. The options varied. Beer, wine or vinegar was mostly poured into it. Gingerbread was also added. Some recipes originally also with carp blood. As Martin Franc describes from his own experience, such carp tasted like black.

Great emphasis was placed on the aesthetics of the table when setting the table. There must have been an abundance of food on it, to which fruit had belonged a hundred years ago. It was rich but fast. They had nothing to do with warm-blooded animals on the table. “It simply came to our notice then. Although the housewife helps the maid, some activities without today’s technology are constantly slower. “ informs the ace through history.

Charity event

One of the favorite Christmas customs was the charity at the Christmas tree of the republic. It was a magnificent charity event that survived until the early 1950s, when it was declared that no charity was needed. The organizers decided to reach a large collection for the poor. The state supported the charity. The very name of the event suggests this fact.

Deeper into history

In the early modern period of the second half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century, Christmas Day was not much celebrated. A typical feature was the Christmas that the crew receives. The main celebrations did not take place until December 25 at God’s Feast, because it was also the beginning of the new year. The holiday was widely celebrated, especially when it came to the townspeople and the nobility. A companion and a family were also taken care of, to whom their masters gave them an abundance of food. “Christmas Day and God’s feast have probably not yet been associated with a tree. The gifts were again Nicholas’ affairs, “describes Martin Franc.

Already in the 18th century. exclusive roast was recommended for God’s feast. It could have been a turkey or a turkey. The dish was then nicknamed “Indian”. Or he ate a capon, which is a pruned rooster. “A capon in mussel sauce was a luxurious recipe for a very wealthy burgher or aristocrat who spent the winter in his Prague palace,” says Martin Franc.

Many aristorkatic families spent the winter in today’s capital. Their castles in the countryside were not for the winter. In the past, Christmas in old Prague was also the Christmas of aristocratic courts and households with a lot of servants.

Beware of non-Catholics

The meeting place was the church at midnight mass. As this is an anti-Reformation period after the Battle of White Mountain, it was extremely important who took part. “From a religious and social point of view, the visit to the midnight mass was extremely important, the absence was socially excluded.” adds historian. Those who would otherwise join the church not come would be seen as hidden non-Catholics.

Guaranteed recipe for soaking up the Christmas atmosphere – a walk through Prague in the evening

Author: Jan Dařílek

How to manage Christmas so that we don’t go crazy and stop taking it as a top sport Videohub