The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west, Austria to the south, Slovakia to the east and Poland to the north.
Prague, or pronounced as Praha is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic. It is also known by its many nicknames, few of them being 'Mother of Cities' and 'Golden City' of Europe.
This city is also said to be known as the 'threshold of dark magic'. The name Prague is derived from an old Slavic root, praga, which means "ford", referring to the city's origin at a meeting point of the Vltava river.
It's thick culture and rich history makes it a popular tourist destination, hence it was the 6th most visited city in Europe in the year 2011.
Society and Culture
Obligation to the family is a person's first priority for the Czechs. The family is the center of the social structure. They are known for their practicality, forward thinking and efficiency.
The Czechs are also private people, for they tend to come off as formal and reserve. Although always polite, they seldom use the first-name basis with people other than their family members or very close friends.
Language
West Slavic language is the majority language of Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English till the late 19th century.
Music
Music for the Czechs has take root in its 1000 year old history. Their traditional music is folk music in Bohemian, Moravia and Silesia as well as the high-culture classical music tradition. In the early eras of the Czech Republic, composers and musicians are heavily influenced by genuine folk music. Music festivals are often hosted in the city.
Theater
Theatrical plays and music played an important role in the national awakening movement for the Czechs with its rich tradition with roots since the Middle Ages. The country is also known of its love for puppetry and marionettes, hence the number of puppet festivals throughout the country.
Film
Prague has been a popular place for Hollywood sets. Some of the movies that were filmed in the city include Mission Impossible, Alien Vs. Predator, Chronicles of Narnia, James Bond: Casino Royale and Van Helsing.
Art
Art was first identified in the Czech Republic during the Gothic period, Prague in particular. Baroque was also recognized, with Petr Brandl as one of the most well known painter in his age, who also plays an important role in the art of the late Baroque. Displays of art in the Czech Republic are in The National Czech Gallery, separated by different compartments consisting different focus on different aspects of art.
Cuisine
Czech cuisine is very meat oriented. Pork is common while beef and chicken are also popular among the Czechs. Fish is rare, which is usually served during Christmas, with the occasional exception of trout and carp. Czech brewery has a long and important history and the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Czech desserts include a wide variety of pastries, chocolate, tarts and types of traditional cakes buchty and kolace.
Customs and Etiquette
Meeting and Greeting
Greetings are formal and reserved. They mostly include formal handshakes, direct eye contact and appropriate greetings for the time of the day. The offer to transition to the informal are usually given by the woman, the older or a person of a higher status.
Giving and Accepting Gifts
Bring a box of good quality chocolate, flowers or a bottle of quality wine or brandy for the hostess or host when invited for a dinner. We should be cautious in giving flowers, because in general people over 35 often see flowers as a romantic gesture. We are not allowed to give cala lilies because they are used in funerals.
Dining Etiquette
The Czechs are very particular about punctuality, so when invited to a Czech's house, arrive on time. We are also expected to dress decently and well. As Czechs separate their business and personal lives, we should never discuss about business over dinner. The oldest woman or honored guest is generally served first.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Appointments are important and should be made in advanced to avoid complications. Meetings are often avoided during the weekend, especially on Friday afternoon for most of the Czechs leave for their country cottages after lunch. Punctuality for business meetings is taken extremely seriously. Initial meetings are usually held to know your Czech better and to see if he or she is trustworthy before associating further.
Religion
Religion in the Czech Republic was dominated by Christianity, which gradually converted to Slavic paganism.
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Upon reading a favorite novel of mine, with its plot being in the city of Prague, the Czech culture has tugged at my heart since then. With its rich and beautiful customs, the Czech Republic has stole breaths away, and will continue doing so.
Language
West Slavic language is the majority language of Czech Republic and spoken by Czechs worldwide. The language was known as Bohemian in English till the late 19th century.
Music
Music for the Czechs has take root in its 1000 year old history. Their traditional music is folk music in Bohemian, Moravia and Silesia as well as the high-culture classical music tradition. In the early eras of the Czech Republic, composers and musicians are heavily influenced by genuine folk music. Music festivals are often hosted in the city.
Theater
Theatrical plays and music played an important role in the national awakening movement for the Czechs with its rich tradition with roots since the Middle Ages. The country is also known of its love for puppetry and marionettes, hence the number of puppet festivals throughout the country.
Film
Prague has been a popular place for Hollywood sets. Some of the movies that were filmed in the city include Mission Impossible, Alien Vs. Predator, Chronicles of Narnia, James Bond: Casino Royale and Van Helsing.
Art
Art was first identified in the Czech Republic during the Gothic period, Prague in particular. Baroque was also recognized, with Petr Brandl as one of the most well known painter in his age, who also plays an important role in the art of the late Baroque. Displays of art in the Czech Republic are in The National Czech Gallery, separated by different compartments consisting different focus on different aspects of art.
Cuisine
Czech cuisine is very meat oriented. Pork is common while beef and chicken are also popular among the Czechs. Fish is rare, which is usually served during Christmas, with the occasional exception of trout and carp. Czech brewery has a long and important history and the Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. Czech desserts include a wide variety of pastries, chocolate, tarts and types of traditional cakes buchty and kolace.
Customs and Etiquette
Meeting and Greeting
Greetings are formal and reserved. They mostly include formal handshakes, direct eye contact and appropriate greetings for the time of the day. The offer to transition to the informal are usually given by the woman, the older or a person of a higher status.
Giving and Accepting Gifts
Bring a box of good quality chocolate, flowers or a bottle of quality wine or brandy for the hostess or host when invited for a dinner. We should be cautious in giving flowers, because in general people over 35 often see flowers as a romantic gesture. We are not allowed to give cala lilies because they are used in funerals.
Dining Etiquette
The Czechs are very particular about punctuality, so when invited to a Czech's house, arrive on time. We are also expected to dress decently and well. As Czechs separate their business and personal lives, we should never discuss about business over dinner. The oldest woman or honored guest is generally served first.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Appointments are important and should be made in advanced to avoid complications. Meetings are often avoided during the weekend, especially on Friday afternoon for most of the Czechs leave for their country cottages after lunch. Punctuality for business meetings is taken extremely seriously. Initial meetings are usually held to know your Czech better and to see if he or she is trustworthy before associating further.
Religion
Religion in the Czech Republic was dominated by Christianity, which gradually converted to Slavic paganism.
--
Upon reading a favorite novel of mine, with its plot being in the city of Prague, the Czech culture has tugged at my heart since then. With its rich and beautiful customs, the Czech Republic has stole breaths away, and will continue doing so.
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