Christmas Eve in Moravia

Christmas Eve in Moravian Slovakia (Slovácko)

In Slovácko the legs of the Christmas Eve table were wound round with a chain “so that the wolves’ mouths are locked and they do not eat the sheep” — and afterwards the chain was laid in a circle in the yard to feed the poultry inside it. Families still remember the chained table today, now explained as keeping the family together.

Around Bzenec each person — and each animal — got a slice of bread with honey and a clove of garlic; the farmer carried the first slices to the horses and cows before anyone sat down. Around Strážnice the animals got a wafer baked with parsley, and three crosses were chalked on the cowshed doors. After supper, especially around Uherské Hradiště, the herdsman drove the village children through the streets like a Bethlehem flock, ringing bells and bleating, and the children sang carols under the windows until the whole village was full of song.

Try it at home

Wind a ribbon or a light chain round the table legs before supper — in Slovácko it locked the wolves’ jaws; today it keeps the family together.

Christmas Eve in Moravian Slovakia (Slovácko)

More Christmas Eves nearby

Sources