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Date 23. 9. 2024
Category Watchmaking
Jewellery
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The arrival of spring brings not only blooming flowers, but also the anticipated holidays full of joy, hope and traditional customs. Easter is a time when we gather with our loved ones to share moments of shared joy and renewal. As we approach the Spring Festival, let us remember its deep meaning, rich traditions and the many symbols that accompany us at this unique time of year.
Do you know what the most important Easter symbols are, which traditions are usually observed and why we celebrate Easter in the first place? From BENY jewellery and watch shop we bring you the most important facts about the joyous season that awaits us in a few days and wish you a happy Easter!
Since ancient times, Easter has been a symbol of renewal, transformation and hope. Its roots go back to pre-Christian times, when people welcomed the arrival of spring and the renewal of life after a long winter. With the advent of Christianity, a new meaning was added to the already colourful mosaic associated with Christ's resurrection and the new life that this event symbolises.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, which is between March 22 and April 25. This feast is governed by the lunar calendar and therefore its date is fluid. This year, Easter Monday falls on 1 April.
The celebrations vary from culture to culture, but the common element remains the joy of the arrival of spring and new life. In Czech tradition, Easter is associated with many folk customs that reflect both its pre-Christian roots and the Christian concept of this important holiday. These customs have been handed down from generation to generation and form an important part of our cultural heritage.
Easter celebrations often extend over several days and include activities such as nature walks, visits to churches and traditional games. Easter Monday is then reserved mainly for carol singing, but also for family gatherings full of other traditional activities and festive foods.
The traditions and customs associated with Easter have deep roots and are still an integral part of the holiday today. Among the best known is the traditional painting of Easter eggs, which is done using various techniques such as waxing, dyeing or etching. In the past, eggs were decorated with natural materials (such as onions, shells or herbs), but today modern techniques and decorations are more commonly used.
Kraslice, or decorated eggs, are perhaps the best-known Easter symbol in the Czech lands. Decorating them is a real art with many regional variations. These range from simple dyeing in onion skins to complex techniques such as scraping, wax decorating or straw gluing. Traditionally, the ornaments were a gift from the girls to the boys who came to the carol service. Today, painting Easter eggs is a popular activity for the whole family.
Pomlazka, knitted from young willow twigs, is another characteristic Easter custom in our regions. Boys and men go round houses with pomlaza and whip girls and women to give them the strength and freshness of the young wicker. As a reward, they receive painted eggs, ribbons or sweets. This custom has its roots in pre-Christian times and symbolizes fertility and vitality.
Another Easter tradition is the baking of mazanka, lamb and other sweets. These delicacies symbolize abundance and wealth and are associated with traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation. Easter pastries have their place on the festive table and sharing these delicacies with family and friends is the basis for celebrating together.
An indispensable part of Easter is caroling, where on Easter Monday groups of children or young people go from house to house, singing Easter carols and receiving painted eggs or sweets. Boys also 'whip' girls and women with pom poms: rods of plaited young wicker with coloured ribbons, which are said to rejuvenate them and bring them beauty, health and strength.
In the past, trick-or-treating had a greater social significance - it was an opportunity for the whole community to come together and strengthen relationships. In some regions, this Easter custom was enriched by special carols that were passed down from generation to generation.
The Easter menu also has its own specific dishes - in addition to the aforementioned mazants and lambs, for example, stuffing with nettles and herbs, which symbolises the arrival of spring. In some regions, Easter wreaths are also baked, as well as jidáshe, a sweet pastry shaped into spirals or knots and eaten on Maundy Thursday, covered with honey.
One of the traditional customs is that every woman should get something new for Easter so that she doesn't get bitten by a lamb. This can be a dress, but it can also be a new piece of jewellery to reward her for the work she has put into preparing for Easter.
In keeping with the tradition of a new gift for women at Easter, an elegant piece of jewellery can be just the right surprise to delight. Women's jewellery is not only a beautiful fashion accessory, but also a valuable gift that will remain as a lasting memory.
BENY Jewellery offers a wide selection of ladies' jewellery that perfectly matches the spring mood of Easter. Whether you are looking for something understated for everyday wear or a more striking piece for special occasions, you are sure to find a piece of jewellery that will make you happy.
A new pair of elegant earrings or a sparkly necklace or bracelet can be an Easter gift that will make any woman happy, refreshing her wardrobe for spring.
Many of the women's jewellery pieces in the BENY spring collection depict motifs associated with the awakening of nature - flowers, petals, butterflies or birds. These subtle details give the jewellery a fresh and timeless character that perfectly captures the spirit of Easter.
Gold and silver jewellery with coloured gemstones or semi-precious stones such as amethysts, aquamarines or citrines bring sparkle and elegance to a spring outfit. Their sparkle and play of light are reminiscent of nature waking up and the sun's rays gaining strength after winter.
The main symbols of Easter are eggs, which represent new life and renewal. The tradition of painting Easter eggs has its roots in pagan rituals associated with the coming of spring. Another important symbol is the lamb, which represents Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb who, according to Christian belief, died for the sins of mankind.
The egg is a universal Easter symbol across cultures and religions. In Slavic tradition, the egg was considered a magical object associated with fertility, health and renewal. The red color, which was often used to dye eggs, symbolized the blood of Christ, but also fire, love and new life. Different regions have developed specific ways of decorating that reflect local traditions and artistic sensibilities.
The lamb is one of the most important Easter symbols in Christian tradition. It symbolises Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb who redeemed mankind from sin by his death. In the Czech tradition, the lamb appears mainly in the form of a pastry or confectionery product that decorates the Easter table. It is usually decorated with ribbons and white icing, which symbolises purity and innocence.
The pom pom is not only a tool for trick-or-treating, but is itself an important Easter symbol. The young willow wicker from which it is woven symbolises the life force and energy of spring. It was believed that whipping with a pom-pom transfers this power to the person whipped and protects them from illnesses and ailments. The coloured ribbons used to decorate the pommel represent joy and cheerfulness.
Nowadays, traditional symbols of Easter are being supplemented with elements from other cultures and countries, adding new perspectives and inspiration to Easter celebrations. For example, the Easter bunny, originally associated with European pagan traditions, has gained popularity in recent years in our country.
The Easter bunny, which according to legend brings eggs and sweets to children, has its roots in German and Anglo-Saxon traditions. It came to the Czech environmentin more recent times, but quickly became popular, especially among children. It symbolises fertility and abundance, values traditionally associated with spring and renewal.
The Easter season includes several days that have their own specific customs and rituals. These days are important to all in terms of tradition, but Christians observe a special symbolism in each day associated with faith, hope and the new life brought about by Christ's resurrection.
Maundy Thursday is a day to indulge in vegetables or fasting. Historically, it is associated with the event of the Last Supper. In folk tradition, this day was associated with cleansing rituals - people washed themselves with dew or water from a stream early in the morning to ensure their health for the year. Evil spirits and negative forces are also 'exorcised' on Maundy Thursday - in some areas, for example, keys are jingled or bells are rung.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. On this day there are memorial services and in some countries even processions commemorating the Stations of the Cross. Good Friday was associated in folk tradition with magical powers - it was believed to open up the earth for a short time and reveal hidden treasures. People refrained from noisy activities and hard work on this day; it was a day of humility and contemplation.
White Saturday is a preparation for the feast of Easter, when eggs are dyed and pomlazka is knitted. The name comes from the white vestments in which the newly baptized were dressed. In homes, cleaning and preparations for the upcoming celebrations were coming to an end. Then in the evening, a vigil is held - a vigil and anticipation of Christ's resurrection, during which the Easter fire is lit and water is sprinkled.
Easter Sunday, or Easter Sunday, is the celebration of Christ's resurrection. The season of fasting ends and Easter lamb, mazanec or traditional stuffing is baked. It is a day of family gatherings and festive feasts. Churches hold solemn services and bless the Easter foods - lamb, cake, eggs, bread and wine, which symbolise the gifts of the earth and God's blessing.
Easter Monday concludes the Easter holiday. It is the day most associated with caroling and the pom-pom, which children especially look forward to. In the countryside, the custom of pouring water is observed in places, which has a similar symbolism to the whipping of the pom-pom - conveying vitality and health. Easter Monday is a day of joy, merriment and socialising.
Understanding the meaning of Easter allows us to experience the season more fully and appreciate the depth of traditions that connect us to our ancestors and to our wider cultural heritage.
Easter is a holiday that combines spiritual values with the joy of life and the coming of spring. Whether we celebrate it for religious reasons or as a traditional folk holiday, it brings us the opportunity to pause, reflect and share joy together with our loved ones.
In today's hectic times, Easter offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the simple joys - the creativity of decorating eggs, the pleasure of preparing traditional foods, or just simply being with family and friends. Indulge in this time full of colour, scents and flavours, and let yourself be filled with the new energy and optimism that spring and Easter bring.
And don't forget that a beautiful gift of elegant jewellery can be the finishing touch to the Easter celebrations - a gift that will last long after the last Easter egg has found its place and the last piece of cake has been eaten.
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