Czech Culture

Slovanská Podporující Jednota Státu Texas

Česká Část

ROČNÍK 108 ČISLO 21

Podpora ★ Lidskost

9.listopad.2020 Bratrstvi´

BENEVOLENCE HUMANITY BROTHERHOOD

Uředni orgán SPJST ★ Založené roku 1897

SoundCzech In our street

Hello, and welcome to this edition of SoundCzech, Radio Prague’s Czech language course in which you can learn Czech phrases with the help of song lyrics. For this edition, the song is V naší ulici - or in our street - sung by Voxel. Look for the word - ulice meaning street.

Voxel sings that as he walks down the street and smiles at the world, people think he has completely lost his mind. The lyrics go přes okna svých aut, zatmavený do černa, už dávno nevidí jak je tahle ulice nádherná - which means that through the darkened windows of their cars, everyone has long since forgotten just how beautiful this street really is.

To get the sack at work is octnout se na ulici - to wind up on the street. Someone who is out roaming the streets se bloumá po ulicích. Jít po ulici is to walk down the streets, and to trudge through the streets is vláčet se ulicemi. If as you trudge down the street you decide to buy take-out, that food is jídlo prodávané přes ulici - which literally means food sold across the street.

If it is very crowded on the streets then you can say na ulici se to hemžilo lidmi - the streets were teeming with people. Those taking part in a parade pochodují ulicemi - walk the streets. Jít do ulic is to take to the streets, for instance in the case of a protest. If a protest becomes serious and takes on a life of its own it may turn into vláda ulice - or mob rule.

A dead end or a cul-de-sac is called a slepá ulička. An ulička is a smaller street, such as a lane or an alleyway. Ocitnout se ve slepé uličce is to reach a stalemate, or as some might say, to find oneself up against a wall.

That’s all we have time for. Thank you for learning Czech with me, and na shledanou. ~ Clare Profous

https://english.radio.cz/our-street-8219821 —SPJST—

TCGS presents third group of 2020 Christmas ornaments

Shown here are six additional Christmas ornaments which evolve from a tradition, a legend, or a symbol of Christmas. Included is the favorite of Czechs everywhere, the Vesele Vanoce greeting. The ornaments are available from Texas Czech Genealogical Society (TCGS), and may be ordered for shipment by contacting Nancy Machu at 512971-4284 or emailing her at nbmachu@gmail.com. Shipping charges will be added, and will depend on the number of ornaments ordered. Purchases may be made at our gift shop in Temple by appointment only. Please call the above phone number to set an appointment, should you wish to see the ornaments prior to ordering. Candles with Holly - No. OR-205 -$22

Holly is a symbol of life in the bleak and cold months of winter. The bright reds and green colors of the berries and leaves were symbols of rebirth and life. When the deep red berries appeared on the holly plant, the season of feasting and merriment began. In early years, Father Christmas decorated his hood with holly, which represented the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified, and the red berries represented the blood He shed for our sins.

Candles represent Christ, the Light of the World. “I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life.” (John 8:12) Candles also remind us that we are to be light to others, to show them the way to Christ, and when hopelessness sets in, to remember that the darkness cannot overcome Christ’s light.

The Czech Greeting and Traditions Ornament - No. OR-210 - $11

Vesele Vanoce, “Merry Christmas,” is a greeting all Czechs can say. The reverse side of the ornament shows Czech Christmas customs. It reads: “On the evening of December 5, St. Nicholas legendarily descends from a gold cord with an angel and mentor to reward or admonish children. At suppertime on Christmas Eve, a chair is left vacant for the Christ-child. After supper, candles on the tree are lighted. Tree décor includes straw and paper stars, Bohemian glass ornaments, fruits, nuts, cookies, and intricately painted eggshells – symbolizing birth. After midnight mass, children often sleep on straw by the manger, reminiscent of Christ’s birth. On January 6, Epiphany, priests write C+M+B over the doors of homes, placing a cross between letters which stand for the initials of the Magi and a Latin phrase meaning “May Christ Bless This Home.” The Pewter Nail - No. OR-211 - $12

The pewter nail is a reminder of the nails used to construct Baby Jesus’ manger, as well as the nails used in Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. The message that accompanies this ornament tells the story of Jesus, God’s love and His greatest gift of all, given freely to those who follow Him.

The Holy Family - No. C19-101112 - $50* (short supply)

The Holy Family, consisting of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Baby Jesus, are the central figures of Christmas for Christians everywhere. According to Matthew and Luke, Jesus’ birth took place in Bethlehem during the time of Herod the Great. The family had gone to Bethlehem to be counted in the census. This set of three beautiful, mouth-blown glass ornaments, was crafted in the Czech Republic. The colors are deep and vibrant, with gold accents abounding. The Holy Family set of Christmas ornaments is sure to be a treasure for years to come.

The Three Wise Men - No. C19-789 - $52* (short supply)

Traditional nativity scenes usually include the three wise men who visited Jesus shortly after his birth, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men were sent to find Jesus, at the request of King Herod. They followed the star until it stopped over the place where the Child lay. They were overwhelmed with joy. They knelt down, paying him homage, and gave Him their gifts. They then returned to their homes in the east by a different route. These three wise men, also handcrafted in glass in the Czech Republic, are adorned with regal robes of intense, deep royal colors, accented by gold. They go perfectly with