Glenn -- Regarding your Halloween costume in that photo, just what or who were you supposed to be? Cat burglar? Thug? Someone in particular? My popular culture knowledge is a bit sketchy... Susan
Just a burglar or thug of some sort - the mask is reminiscent of criminal stereotypes in 1930's American movies (rolled up wool cap, eyemask...). There were two major reasons why I chose the "costume" - the mask was small and lightweight, easy to pack to bring to Prague and, secondly, it didn't cover my mouth so I didn't have my drinking (or smoking) hindered :lol: My friend who came to Prague with me on that Halloween also wore the same mask - he is tall and thin and I am short and round - we looked like the Laurel and Hardy (or Mutt and Jeff) of the criminal world :roll:
They tried to infect France with Halloween a few years ago, having no respect for our customs concerning the dead. The newness attracted a certain number of gullible people, but now it's fortunately on its way out. I think they have been trying the same bad commercial trick all over Europe.
Here are few pics from this year's Halloween I thought some might enjoy..214 carved jackolanterns in total. :shock:
Assuming "here" is the Czech Republic, why should we celebrate American holidays like Thanksgiving Day (considering its origins) here? :? By the way I'm sure you're aware Christmas is not an American holiday, it originates from Europe. And Czech Christmas and devils and angels: you're confusing it with Mikuláš (St Nicholas, 5/6th December), but you're right Santa Claus doesn't bring us presents, it's Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) who does that on the eve of December 24th.
of course Thanksgiving Day is not celebrated in Czech Republic but you can find good, American style thanksgiving meals in Prague
Agree with Peter_B & Glenn :lol: On top of that I do not know what is normal about Santa? Baby Jesus is more appropriate because it comes to the very roots of Christmas. I cannot see a single link between Santa and the birth of Jesus Christ. Btw Czech people could say the same about the USA: no Mikulas, no caroling on Easter Monday, no burning witches & Independence Day is celebrated in July instead in October ( :!: what an ingnorance :!: ) etc.
Well, it is a real stretch. Take a look at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_claus it gives a little insight into the origins.
Glenn I know; I was mainly replying to canadiana's post. I just could not help myself . You simply cannot put some nation down because the other nation is different from yours. You can (or should) know the differences but you cannot say "what I am used to is good; everything else sucks". Just btw, in CR we also have Santa Claus. However most of the people perceive it too much commercial. The latest surveys also revealed that we still stick to Jezisek. If it comes to TV commercials etc., fine, Santa may prevail but Jezisek is the one who brings gifts during Christmas dinner (the most important day for us is the 24-Dec and not the 25-Dec as in US). I was in shock (or my US relatives) during my first Christmas here when they called me on the 25th and I said "thank you for calling and wishing Merry Christmas but Christmas were yesterday" :lol: . More about Jezisek at: Jezisek
:twisted: Yes, but if the girl does not get whipped on Easter Monday, her beauty will fade away :twisted:
In fact, following the Jewish tradition the feasts (at least in the Czechlands) begin at the sunset (and not at midnight) and last untill the next sunset. For example the St. Nicolaus feast (Dec 6th) begins at Dec 5th sunset, similarly like every sabbath runs from friday sunset to saturday sunset. So maybe we can say that the Christmas Day (Dec 25th) begins at the sunset on Dec 24th.
You probably should have added that no one is allowed to leave the table when dinner starts. It was very hard to get the bell to ring when everyone is sitting down at dinner. Technology has finally caught up, now I have the radio remote control to launch the bell. 8) the hardest thing is getting fresh carp on the 24th in Washington DC.
