On November 11th, the Czech Republic celebrated St. Martin’s Day by having a feast in honor of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin of Tours himself was a Roman soldier who became a Christian monk after an act of kindness. One of the main courses features roasted goose, inspired by the story of cackling geese. This feast is a feature of many European cultures, as well.
A History of Czech Feminism
The once egalitarian, agrarian society of Bohemia became ruled by the Hapsburg Dynasty, causing a regression in women’s rights until Christianity helped improve their lives. The National Revival brought the creation of Czechoslovakia and greater rights for women. When communism came, rights improved in some ways and did not in others. The change to a capitalistic democracy brought further changes.
The Bohemian Revolt: Defenestration and War
The decision in establishing an emperor’s successor would lead to a conflict that would spark the Thirty Years’ War. The Bohemian revolt initially started off in favor of the Bohemians, but it damaged diplomacy. Victory in this conflict for either side would hinge on the battle that would take place at White Mountain.
Rudolf II: The Intellectual yet Disastrous Emperor
Rudolf II desired to unify Christendom in the Empire and tried to take a tolerant stance on religious issues. Though he was an ineffectual ruler, he had a love for academics that helped spur the Scientific Revolution. He was known as “the greatest art patron in the world,” and philosophers, painters, alchemists, astronomers, architects, and mathematicians came to Prague to work under his patronage.
St Wenceslas, Patron Saint of Bohemia
St Wenceslas Day, which honors Duke of Bohemia Wenceslas I, is celebrated on September 28th in the Czech Republic. His story begins with his Christian grandmother Ludmila, having been raised by her up to the time Wenceslas I's mother, Drahomira, had Ludmila assassinated to become Queen Regent. After regaining the throne from his mother, Wenceslas continued to reign for 14 years until his death.
Great Moravia: Mojmir I and Rostislav (830-870)
After the death of Samo, there was uncertainty about the Czech and Moravian lands, but after the rise of Charlamange of the Frankish Kingdom, Moravians were able to recover. The princes of Moravia consolidated their power, and one in particular Mojmir I, rose beyond tribal institutions to establish Great Moravia. After Mojmir I's deposition, his nephew Rostislav became Louis the German's loyal vassal. In secret, however, Rostislav had ambitions beyond this.