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September 28 is a national holiday designated as the Day of Czech
Statehood, when Czechs celebrate their chief patron saint Wenceslas, who
was killed by his brother on this day. In this week's Mailbox, we answer
our listeners' questions regarding St. Wenceslas and the Day of Czech
Statehood.
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Current AffairsCzechs commemorate chief patron saint
This Saturday, September 28th, is designated as the Day of Czech Statehood
- a Czech national holiday on which the nation commemorates St. Wenceslas,
the country's chief patron saint. But who was St. Wenceslas and why are
Czechs still celebrating his life, over a thousand years after his death?
Dita Asiedu put that question to historian Jan Rychlik:
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Current AffairsStatue of St. Wenceslas in Prague - a traditional place of public gatherings
A statue of Czech duke St. Wenceslas riding a horse in full armour, surrounded by the other Czech patron saints, is located at the top of Prague's Wenceslas square, and is regarded as one of the city's main attractions. The statue is a traditional place of gathering where Czechs come to discuss public affairs, to mourn and celebrate, a place where politicians call public meetings to, a place which has witnessed some of the most significant events in Czech history. What is it that makes the statue of St. Wenceslas so special? spoke to Dr. Michal Illner, a sociologist from the Czech Academy of Sciences. More
Current AffairsGood King Wenceslas
The St. Wenceslas Chorale is of course one of many hymns and songs about or devoted to St. Wenceslas. Many of you will probably know the famous Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas" and will now try to shed some light on the carol's background as he speaks to professor David Holton of the Hussite Theological Faculty of the Charles University in Prague. More
