| Centuries ago, the western half of Czech Republic was
known as Bohemia. This was the 10th century home of Good King Wenceslaus,
the main character in the familiar English Christmas carol. It is said
that English troops, fighting in Bohemia hundreds of years later, brought
the song home with them.
In Czech Republic, St. Nicholas is called St. Mikulas
and is believed to climb to earth down from heaven on a golden rope along
with his companions: an angel and a whip-carrying devil.
An ancient tradition shared by Czech Republic and Poland
involves cutting a branch from a cherry tree putting it in water indoors
to bloom. If the bloom opens in time for Christmas it is considered good
luck, and also a sign that the winter may be short. The hope of early
spring helps keep spirits up during the long dark winter.
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