Today is Mikuláš. Eve. A evening set aside especially for children and made of their smiles and their parents smiles as well.
Tomorrow is the actual day called Mikuláš.
Czech children, raised on stories of Mikuláš, are over-awed by this spectacle, for they know what to expect. St. Nicholas or Svatý Mikuláš, an Angel(Anděl) and the Devil(Čert) appear at their homes this evening. St. Nicholas will be asking each and everyone of them if they have been a good child during the past year. The Angel is there for support, the Devil, to take bad children …to you know where.
Most all the children of course say yes and will be asked to sing a song or recite a short poem, after which they are rewarded with sweets, chocolate and other treats.
This evening Old Town Square was filled with thousands of families and little children. Quite honestly I have never seen the streets, Old Town Square and Václavské náměstí so filled with people and families. These pictures are from this evening.
I have fond memories of last zear, when I had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Mikuláš Eve in the home of a friend and her child. It was such a wonderful and rich evening full of a child’s laughter and excitement. A very special moment in time. A memory I cherish, for it was with a good friend and it still holds a special place in my being.
...AND today is my third Mikuláš Eve here in Prague; three years in a row: 2007, 2008 & now 2009. !! Wow. I am grateful to be here once again. to je Bajecny!
Anděl, Čert and St. Mikuláš are pictures above in Old Town Square.
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