I came across many czech traditions during my semester in Prague but one of the most interesting ones were Easter traditions and customs. Czech people celebrate Easter in a different way than most countries in Europe. Here are some examples of the most traditional customs:

These beautiful eggs are called Kraslice. In the past, women in the countryside used to paint them and on Easter Monday gave them to the men as a gift. They are still made by professionals today and you can buy them on an Easter market anywhere in Prague. To decorate these eggs many materials are used such as bee's wax, straw, onions or watercolors.

This is one of the most interesting traditions during the Easter holidays. On Easter Monday morning, men and boys go caroling around the village and visit houses with these braided willow sticks=pomlázka. They use these sticks to whip (gently) the women. It is said that whipping women with these sticks keeps them young and healthy. The men usually get eggs, chocolates or a small glass of a local spirit (slivovice) from the women as a "reward". 

Women also bake these traditional cakes. The first one is called Mazanec which is a kind of sweet bread with almonds, nuts and raisins inside. The other one is a symbol of Easter- the lamb. Czech people don't eat the lamb meat for Easter, instead they bake a sponge cake in a form that looks like a small lamb.

Even though czech people are mostly atheists, they celebrate Easter traditionally mostly with family and friends. If you want to see the "real Easter" it's better to go to Moravia where they also wear these traditional clothes that are typical for this part of the Czech Republic.

I must say it is a very interesting and a different way to celebrate Easter and I hope I will get a chance to experience Easter in the traditional way one day.