September 28th, also known as St Wenceslas Day, is the Czech celebration of the patron saint of Bohemia. A time for festivals and beer, it is an exciting time of year for the Czech people. This celebrated saint was one of the original rulers of Czech, and a member of the Premyslid Dynasty.
Statue of Wenceslas I in Prague
Source: Britannica
Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia was born in 907. Raised by his grandmother Ludmila, a saint in her own right, she educated him with a strong Christian upbringing. However, at the death of his father, a struggled ensued for his care and the ability to rule in his place until he was of age. Conflict quickly rose between Ludmila and Wenceslas’ mother, Drahomira. Drahomira was said to be a Christian only in name, while in practice she was a devote pagan. The conflict between these two ended abruptly when Drahomira had Ludmila killed and became Queen Regent in 921.
This hostile take over soon backfired as supporters of Ludmila and Wenceslas helped him regain power. Drahomira was eventually banished from court. Wenceslas sat on the throne from 921-935, though he never held the title king during his reign.
Described as pious, he took a vow of virginity and encouraged German missionary priests to continue to spread Christianity. However, his piety was not a handicap to to his rule. Ever devoted to his country, Wenceslas set forth a law giving the death penalty for the export of the cutting of hops. This was beneficial economically for the region and beer trade.
His reign was not without conflict. Faced with the threat of German invasion, he submitted to the German King Henry in 929. This declaration angered many nobles and soon provoked his brother, Boleslav, to take action.
The Murder of Wenceslas I
Source: Prague Underground Tours
Wenceslas died on September 28, 935. He was killed by Boleslav and his followers on route to Mass at the church door of St Comasa and St Damian. Regarded, almost immediately, as the Patron Saint of Bohemia, Boleslav became frightened by reports of miracles at Wenceslas’ tomb. He later had Wenceslas’ remains transferred to the Church of St Vitus.
He was given the title of King by the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I sometime after his death. Wenceslas’ sainthood led to the church becoming a popular pilgrimage site during the medieval period. Today, there stands a statue of St Wenceslas in what is now called Wenceslas Square in Prague, built in his honor.
Written by: Kelsey McDade
Editors of Britannica, The, ‘Wenceslas I’, Britannica, 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wenceslas-I-prince-of-Bohemia, (accessed September 25, 2022).
Panek, Jaroslav. A History of The Czech Lands. 2nd ed., Karolinum Press, 2019, Pg. 2145-2165. (accessed September 27, 2022).