Burning of the Witches, April 30
"Czechs gather to build a bonfire and prepare an effigy of the witch that kept winter around so long. Czechs used to believe that the power of witches would weaken as the weather got warmer. So they thought that if they made something that looked like a witch and burned it, they could finally get rid of the cold weather. First, they tie two large sticks together to form a cross. Then they stuff old shirts, pants and socks with straw and place a pointed hat on the top of the stack. The witch is tied to a broomstick and set aside until darkness falls. When the fire is roaring, people roast sausages on sticks, strum guitars, and sing their favorite songs. Everyone looks forward to nightfall, when they will face the spirits of the witches. As soon as it's dark, the effigy of the witch is brought out and held up for all to see. Then, with a heave of the arm, it is thrown on top of the bonfire. As the witch burns, so does the last of winter's chill."- Personal comment:When we were small, we used to try to make the fire as large as possible. We call this tradition "Pálení čarodějnic, (slang Čarošky)" Kids at elementary schools usually dress up as witches and wizards on this day as a school event.YouTube video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjFFGPVZ-1sArticle source: https://www.myczechrepublic.com/czech_culture/czech_holidays/burning-witches.html
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