As Americans prepare for Easter with egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and the ubiquitous marshmallow chicks, other countries around the world are engaging in their own individual Eastertide celebrations. One of the more unique Easter traditions can be found in the Furman University digital collection “Czech Republic & Central Europe.” This digital collection contains photographs from Furman education professor, Michael Svec, taken during his visit to central Europe in Spring 2005. His photographs capture the cultural, historical, and scenic aspects of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Lithuania, and Poland. Among the many interesting items in the digital collection are a group of photos related to Easter celebrations in Prague.
On Easter or Velikonoce, in the Czech Republic, girls make kraslice eggs which are dyed and elaborately decorated with complicated geometric patterns, snowflakes, floral motifs, or stickers. Traditionally, boys make pomlázkas or whipping sticks which are flexible braids fashioned from intertwined pussy willow twigs. In the past, these whipping sticks were hand-made and braided in ornate patterns. However, most pomlázkas are now purchased from shops already made.
On Easter Monday, boys and young men armed with their whipping sticks seek out girls or young ladies and playfully spank them on the legs. The whipping is not meant to hurt and is meant to be symbolic. The tradition of whipping with pussy willow twigs is thought to bring health, youth, and vitality to the female targets. It is also the custom for the guys to sing Easter carols and receive treats from the ladies such as kraslice eggs, candy, or (for the adult men) kisses and plum brandy.
This boisterous and unique tradition has been captured in photographs contained in the “Czech Republic & Central Europe” digital collection, so be sure to check out the link below:
