December Newsletter from the Czech Center Museum Houston

December 2014 News of the Czech Center Museum Houston in the Museum District

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR! VESELÉ VÁNOCE a ŠŤASTNÝ NOVÝ ROK!

4920 San Jacinto, Houston, TX 77004 www.czechcenter.org czech@czechcenter.org

Visiting Hours Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm View our last Newsletter: http://ow.ly/FOBYj View our Blog: czechcentermuseumhouston.wordpress.com View items for purchase: http://ow.ly/FOCe4

From the Heart of Europe to the Heart of Houston, The Czech Center Museum Houston

Czech Christmas Over the centuries, the Czech people have created a distinctive form of the Christmas season. "Czech Christmas" includes a rich tradition of folk customs and ceremonies.

Advent Advent begins the Christmas season on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve. On that day, Christmas Trees are lit in the city squares throughout the Czech Republic, and the Christmas town fair season begins.

The symbol of Advent is a round Christmas wreath made of pine tree branches that is adorned with four candles.

On each week leading to Christmas, one candle on the advent wreath is lit to symbolize the coming of Christ. Advent is a time of strict fasting – people are not allowed to eat meat and are prohibited from excessive revelry. In 2014, Advent started on November 30th.

Christmas Market (Vanocni trhy) Christmas markets, called visitors. Children can pet “Vanocni trh”, are a key sheep, goats and donkeys at ingredient of the festive magic an animal stable. There is in the Czech Republic. The also a large Bethlehem scene Prague Christmas markets with a wooden stable that are open daily from the first depicts Mary, Joseph, baby Advent day to January 6th Jesus and the Three Kings. in Old Town Square and The Christmas markets are Wenceslas Square. In the attended by many and are fun Christmas markets traditional for all.

Czech handicrafts, hot food and warm beverages are sold from wooden huts. In the Old Town Square, Czech and International choirs and dancing groups entertain

Saint Nicholas On December 6th, the an angel and devil. Children Czech people enjoy a Saint are asked if they were good Nicholas Day celebration. in the past year. Most kids The tradition is based on say yes and then sing a song the legend of St. Nicholas, a or recite a short poem to St. bishop who lived in the 4th Nicholas and their family. century in Asia Minor and They are then rewarded with became famous for his pious sweets, candy or other treats, life and charity. which are handed out by the On that day, St. Nicholas Angel. Not so good kids only visits many Czech homes with get coal or potatoes instead

of treats - of course this does not really happen! St. Nicholas Day is observed not only in the Czech Republic, but in other Slavic countries as well.

Christmas Eve - December 24th The most important Christmas celebrations start on Christmas Eve. Leading to that day, families decorate their home with a Christmas tree and a Bethlehem Nativity scene. Gifts are placed under the tree and there is a festive atmosphere. Christmas Eve is a family holiday on which everyone must be with family or friends for dinner, not home alone. If someone lives alone, they are invited to the celebrations by neighbors or acquaintances.

A special dinner meal includ-

ing many treats is prepared for Christmas Eve. There are a number of recipes for preparing the holiday menu based on family and regional traditions. A typical dinner consists of fish soup, fried carp and potato salad. After dinner, a bell rings to announce that baby Jesus has brought the presents. The family gathers around the Christmas tree, sings Christmas carols and opens gifts. After family celebrations, many people attend midnight Christmas Mass at their local church.

December 25th - 26th On December 25th and 26th, people visit friends and take walks in nature. The Christmas tree is taken care of until January 6th, when the holiday season is officially over until the start of the next Advent season.

Special Events at CCMH in in November 2014 The Czech Center Museum Houston marked its 10th Year in the Museum District in September 2014.

To celebrate, we hosted a multitude of events related to different parts of Czech culture. Take a look!

Czech Button Presentation with Carolyn Hubenak November 1st

Carolyn Hubenak of WharCzech pearl and other varietton TX, spoke on the history ies of buttons were on display of Czech buttons. for the audience to examine firsthand.

CCMH CEO Effie Rosene received the winning button for the button guessing game and donated it to be displayed in the museum on a permanent exhibition.

Czech Film Screening of “Listopad” November 1st That Saturday night, CCMH had the privelege of being the second venue ever to screen the new Czech film Listopad. The story focuses on the events surrounding the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The film’s Producer, Jeffrey Brown, was in attendance and facilitated a Q&A after the movie.

Producer Jeffrey Brown speaks about the making of Listopad.

Alphons Mucha Exhibit and Lecture by Kelly Johnson November 8th

Kelly Johnson presents her research on Alphons Mucha.

CCMH had its Mucha prints and merchandise on display.

10 Years - 10 Million Celebration November 15th

Bree the Mural Girl and Sally Miller

Virginia Stoner, Cecilia Forrest, Paula Pizzitola

Minnette Boesel, Mayor’s Assistant, and Effie Rosene reunveiling the mural

Jazz Medics, the night’s entertainment

CCMH V.P. Bill Rosene and Stephanie Vanicek

St. Nicholas Day Celebration December 6th

Andrea Pustejovsky with Wesley’s great granddaugther little Ludmilka

Effie Rosene, Czech Center Museum CEO

Devil, Bishop and Angel, Alli Wagner, Rev. Paul, Bella Bernal

Saint Nicholas alias Rev. Paul Chovanec

Apollo Chamber Players Concert November 19th

Effie and Bill Rosene and big crowd enjoy the lovely music of the Apollo Chamber Players, underwritten by member Beryl Hogshead in memory of her father Louis Andor Komjathy

The journey from Czechoslovakia of Louis Andor Komjathy - an exhibition by Beryl Hogshead

A great night with the Apllo Chamber Players: Matthew Detrick, violin Anabel Ramirez, violin Whitney Bullock, viola Matthew Dudzik, cello

Coming to CCMH in 2015 Get ready to experience the traditions of Texas Czechs!

Czech Center Museum Houston PRESENTS THE EXHIBITION

TEXAS CZECHS

ROOTED IN TRADITION

JANUARY 26–APRIL 25, 2015 For three months, our museum will host the traveling exhibition Texas Czechs: Rooted in Tradition. Come and see this unique exhibition and learn about role the Czech culture played in the iconic Texas landscape.Grand opening reception on January 24th, 2015.

New Honorary Czech Consul General We at the Czech Center Museum Houston thank long time friend and distinguished member Mr. Raymond J. Snokhous for his past years of service to Texas and the Czech Republic as Honorary Czech Consul General.

On November 21, 2014, Mr. Snokhous hosted a reception attended by Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, who that day also met with Brian Vaníček, who was named the new Consul.

The CCMH welcomes Brian Vaníček into his new position and is ready to work with him to facilitate good relations between our beloved Czech Republic and the state of Texas. Many thanks and well wishes for all!

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, Ambassador Petr Gandalovič, New Honorary Czech Consul General for Texas Brian Vaníček

What makes Czech Czech?

A small country in the heart of Europe, but its glory touches the stars! What makes Czech Czech?

What have Czechs given the world? What can we be proud of ?

We are starting a list of 100 things that are typical of the Czech nation. Please forward your ideas for the list to events@czechcenter.com with the subject “Newsletter.”

1. Tri Orisky pro Popelku (Three Wishes for Cinderella) Considered the most beautiful and popular Czech fairytale ever filmed. Every family in the Czech Republic and even in other countries watches this treasured fairytale on Christmas day over and over again, year by year, generation after generation. Why? It is a romantic and brilliant movie for the whole family with amazing music and great actors. And did you know: the costumes from the movie are held as a Czech national treasure and are insured for millions of dollars!

2. Mulled wine (Svařené víno or Svařák) Mulled simply means heated colder countries) in one form and spiced. Mulled wine mi- or another. If you are planraculously appears in restau- ning a holiday party, svařák is rants as holiday markets start an excellent drink to serve, as to open. Svařák is not only a not only is it festive and warm, traditional Czech drink, but it also fills the house with a one that is popular through- lovely Christmassy smell. out Europe (especially in the

Recipe for a basic Svařák: add spices and sugar to taste •1 liter red wine •8 decagrams sugar •1 cinnamon stick •5 cloves •Half a lemon

Newsletter Auction Bid on a wonderful vacation for two to the Crown Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo!

The Crown Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo This is your chance to bid on a wonderful vacation for two people, two nights/three days, breakfast included in The Crown Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic!

The Hotel is located on the most important boulevard of the city and within just minutes of the historical Colonial Zone, surrounded by a variety of restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.

All rooms are renovated and

have the most spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a very beautiful and interesting city with a Colonial Zone. The Colonial Zone was the first city of the Americas and is considered heritage to humanity. It is the home of many wonderful and historical sites, such as the Columbus Castle, the Santa Maria Cathedral, first in America, Columbus Square, the Spain Plaza and others. This could be a start of a great vacation combined with other sea resorts as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata or La Romana.

Valid until May 12, 2015 Starting Bid: $125 Please submit bids to events@czechcenter.org by December 30, 2014 with the subject line “Vacation” For information on the latest bid, call us at 713-528-2060

Special Thanks for the generous support of all our Members and Friends: DONORS: Rev. Paul Chovanec, Wesley Pustejovsky Family, Bill & Effie Rosene, Paul & Anette Sofka, Sandra & Edward Pickett, Rudolf Rusnak, Eva Marie Bartoskova Campo & Alfonso Duncan, Ray & Nina Vitek, Lorraine Rod Green, Chris Hlavinka, lbert Smaistrla, Mr.Jerry & Dr. Louise Terrill, Honorary Czech Consul Brian Vanicek & Joan Vanicek, Grace & Bill England, Adelma S. Graham, John Dickerson,

Ervin Adam M.D., Sandra & Edward Pickett, Annette Scranton, Carolyn Filipp Beseda, Diane & Mark Kosobud, Jeffrey Brown, Virginia and Doug Stoner, Caroline & Marion Freeman, Rev. Joseph Hybner, Stan Marek, Marek Family Companies, Mary Rose Uher, Henry & Barbara Hermis, Brianna Bruncher, Marion Bell.,Gene K. Veselka, William Morgan, Nita B. Bagley

SILENT and LIVE AUCTION ITEMS: Moravian Villa in the Vineyard, Hlohovec, Czech Republic, Hilton Cartagena, Colombia, Intercontinental Hotel-San Juan, Puerto Rico , Crowne Plaza-Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Ritz Four Seasons Lisbon-Portugal Ruidoso VacationNew Mexico, New Orleans Condo, Fayetteville Weekend, Arturo Boada Cuisine, The Raven Grill, Maria Selma Restaurant, Ral’s Fine Food.

Charles Bridge Mural at CCMH on the north side of the building This organization is supported in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and by the contributions of our Friends, Members and Volunteers.