Bohemian artist Frantisek Kupka is the forefront mind behind the art form of Orphism. Orphism focuses on color and abstraction, similar to Cubism but also an 鈥渆volution鈥 where abstract shapes are given precedence in contrast to solid, known geometric shapes. There are many examples of Orphism to see, spanning many years.
From the Brevnov Monastery to the modern-day Pilsner, the Czech people have been enjoying beer for over a thousand years. Known as the beer of tradition, Czech beer is ingrained into history itself. When beermaking was banned. the Brenov Monastery, as the first-ever Bohemian brewery, was exempt. Initially, after the ban on brewing ended, only noble families or homeowners were allowed to brew beer. It was in 1842 that the famous Pilsner was created.
Eli拧ka Junkov谩 is the first woman to win the Grand Prix, in 1927. Even before, Junkov谩 was 鈥淨ueen of the Steering Wheel,鈥 a well-earned title that she worked towards since 1922. Her dedication to racing began with her dedication to her husband, Vincenc 鈥溎宔n锚k鈥 Junek, whom she met at her job at the Prague Credit Bank.
After the death of Samo, there was uncertainty about the Czech and Moravian lands, but after the rise of Charlamange of the Frankish Kingdom, Moravians were able to recover. The princes of Moravia consolidated their power, and one in particular Mojmir I, rose beyond tribal institutions to establish Great Moravia. After Mojmir I's deposition, his nephew Rostislav became Louis the German's loyal vassal. In secret, however, Rostislav had ambitions beyond this.
Milada Horakova was an advocate for democracy, stuck between both the Nazis and Communists for her adult life. During the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, she resisted, helping emigrants escape and harboring fugitives of the occupiers. Although she faced torture and death from the Nazis, she not only survived but also continued her same fight, this time with the Soviets. Sadly, she was sentenced to death and executed, even when eminent individuals of the time demanded her release.
Inspired by the American holiday, many nations in the world celebrate Flag Day, including Czechia. Before Czechia, there was Czechoslovakia, whose flag, created in 1918, featured 2 horizontal stripes, white on the top and red on the bottom. The flag changed to include a blue wedge from the left and has remained this way since, including after the separation of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Toyen, born Marie 膶别谤尘铆苍辞惫谩, was a foundational Czech Surrealist artist who explored gender expression. In her early days, she traveled to Paris where she promoted a poetry-inspired art style called "Artificialism." Her own art explored gender, politics, and eroticism, which challenged viewers. After the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia, Toyen lived in Paris, creating new, expressive pieces, for the rest of her life.
V臎ra 膶谩蝉濒补惫蝉办谩 was a Czechoslovakian Olympian gymnast, born in May 3, 1942 and raised in Prague. Her sense of pride came from more than her sport, as it centered around her love for Czechoslovakia and her people, such that she signed the Two Thousand Words manifesto during Prague Spring. Even through possible persecution she continued to train for the Olympics. After the Olympics, the persecution continued, but she remained resolute though her life, earning her the love of the Czechoslovakian people.
Through history, celebrating Mother鈥檚 Day in the Czech Republic was more complicated than one could imagine. It begins with the wife of Tomas Masaryk, Charlotte, who fought for women鈥檚 rights and taught her daughter, Alice Masarykova, to do the same. After her mother鈥檚 death, Alice established Mother鈥檚 Day in 1923. The complications of Mother鈥檚 Day lasted for a long time, into Czechoslovakia鈥檚 Communist occupation.
The history on rock music in Czechoslovakia begins with its introduction in the early 1950s, beginning apolitically. By 1968, the apolitical aspect changed, in response to the 1968 Soviet bloc invasion, causing rock music to finally rebel and criticize the government, through satire and cryptic messaging, as the lyrics and content of rock songs were monitored.
Despite being a landlocked nation, Czechoslovakia had a naval army, one which fought a single battle. This singular battle took place on Lake Baikal in Russia during WWI. Being that Czechoslovakian soldiers fought so far away from their own nation and that they seemed unwelcome in Russia, the situation of their naval military grew more complicated.
The Czech New Wave was an important film movement led by daring, rebellious film directors in the sixties. Since the nationalization of the film industry in 1945, cinema had gone stale. In the fifties, each film adhered so tightly to the standards set by the communist government that moviegoers found themselves bored in the theatres. Plot threads were , an aspect that would be criticized extensively during the movement (Kehr 2008).
Food is one aspect of culture that is almost universally accessible. For many traveling, trying different cuisines, especially street foods, is an exciting part of visiting a new country. The Czech Republic has its own unique kitchen, and although the popularity of street foods is still growing, there are some dishes that are well-known in the country.
Athletes have long been using their high-visibility platforms to comment on social issues and raise awareness. V臎ra 膶谩蝉濒补惫蝉办谩, a gymnast from the now Czech Republic, is not only famous for her unparalleled success at the Olympic Games but her strong stance against the Soviet invasion of her country.
The holidays are upon us and I thought we might look into Czech traditions for celebrating the New Year. In the Czech Republic, New Year鈥檚 Eve is called Silvestr, for the anniversary of the consecration of Pope Sylvester I, a saint who served as Pope of the Western Church from 314 to 335. Since the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, the December 31st feast date has coincided with New Year鈥檚 Eve
