Culture

Basic information about Czechia also known as Czech Republic

Czech people’s attitude toward foreigners can be either superior or inferior. Czechs may ridicule foreigners for strange habits or food and despise certain behaviors typical of tourists. On the other hand, they often feel respect for other countries for their economic, political, or cultural achievements.

    Drinking Habits

• Czechs are heavy consumers of beer. They are leading the world statistics of consumption of beer per capita. Moravians sometimes prefer to drink wine.

• Wine and beer are not usually combined. However, some drinkers will put liquor into their beer.

    Eating Habits

• Table etiquette is very important. It is considered a sign of bad upbringing not to use a knife and fork in the continental manner. Of course, making any slurping noises while eating is a gross violation of etiquette.

•  Traditionally, drinks are served after meals, and in some restaurants you have to ask if you want to drink before eating. It is uncommon to have a drink with your meal, unless it is a meal that requires a drink like beer (e.g., fatty dishes).

•  Courses of a meal are served in a strict order (soup, main course, salad, dessert) and many combinations of food are uncommon or downright repulsive to a czech person.

LINK → REGIONAL SPECIALTIES OF OLOMOUC REGION

    Religion

The majority of people in the Czech Republic are atheists. During the communist regime there were only social studies classes taught in schools, religious orders were disbanded and many clergy members sentenced to imprisonment.

In the Czech Republic there is a long tradition of Roman-Catholic Christianity, and many czech customs have originated from Christianity and are still being upheld. The Catholic Church is now in process of reclaiming properties that were confiscated during the communist era. The Church is also trying to foster its influence in the Czech Republic, but this is met with some resistance from the government.

There are a few smaller churches in the Czech Republic, mainly protestant. The Moravian Church, which was founded by followers of John Huss (Jan Hus), has spread around the world.

    Clothing

In the Czech lands, costumes (called “kroje” in Czech) used to be worn in the villages for festive occasions on Sundays, weddings and holidays, and sometimes for ordinary days as well. The costumes are usually decorated with bright, lively colors and symbols such as hearts, bluebirds, doves, daisies, tulips and poppies. They are often trimmed with handmade lace, embroidery and ribbons.

Nowadays the trend of czech people is to dress casually (more casually than in Western Europe). In general, czechs frown upon shabby or unruly clothing and disregard for appearance. However, they tend to dress less formally for work (a software programmer in a suite is an exception) and more formally for entertainment.