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'''Ježíšek''' (the [[Baby Jesus]]) is a cultural [[Christmas]] figure popular in the [[Czech Republic]]. It is also known as '''Ježiško''' in [[Slovakia]], '''Jezušček''' in [[Slovenia]] and as '''Jézuska''' in [[Hungary]].
There is no accurate description of Ježíšek. He has been depicted as a baby, toddler, and young lad. Some even consider him simply as an abstract figure.<ref>[http://www.prague.net/blog/article/52/czech-santa Prague.Net. “Czech Santa.”]. Retrieved on August 21, 2013.</ref> According to tradition, Ježíšek makes his appearance on [[Christmas Eve]]. After families have the traditional Czech dinner of [[carp]], [[potato salad]], [[carp soup]] or [[pea soup]] family with children go to some room and watch the sky and look out for Ježíšek. Meanwhile, someone rings a bell. After that, children run to a room where there are already presents. In some families Ježíšek also sets up a [[Christmas tree]]. In others parents buy a tree and whole family decorates it.<ref name="chicagotribune1">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996-12-24/news/9612240278_1_santa-claus-grandfather-frost-czech-republic Rocks, David. Chicago Tribune News. “Czech Kids Find Santa Claus A Bit Confusing.”] Retrieved on August 21, 2013.</ref> Little boys and girls open their [[gift]]s on 24 December.<ref>[http://prague.usembassy.gov/ststephen.html Embassy of the United States: Prague/Czech Republic.] Retrieved on August 21, 2013.</ref>
==History and Cultural Significance==
The tradition of Ježíšek has been observed by the Czechs for more than 400 years.<ref name="praguepost1">[http://www.praguepost.com/tempo/6911-local-holiday-tradition-is-tested-by-global-forces.html Scott, Thomas. Prague Post. “Local Holiday Forces is Tested by Global Forces.”] Retrieved on August 21, 2013.</ref> This is partly due to the large population of Catholics during that period. It was [[Martin Luther]] who coined the term during the 16th century, an attempt to provide a suitable name to their figure other than [[St. Nicholas]].
In 1989, after the [[Velvet Revolution]] that overthrew the communist regime, local entrepreneurs began introducing [[Santa Claus]] to the country. He appeared in shop windows and town gatherings. Czech children were surprised to learn that their toys were given to them by an old man instead of the figure they grew up with. Despite the growing presence of Santa Claus, Ježíšek continues to be a popular tradition.
In December 1996, 80 Santa Clauses held a rally at the heart of traditional [[Prague]] in another attempt to make the Western figure popular with the children.<ref
At present, belief in Ježíšek is upheld in modern Czech society, despite having the lowest rates of religious affiliation in the world.<ref
==See also==
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==External links==
* [http://praguemonitor.com/2012/12/14/je%C5%BE%C3%AD%C5%A1ek-or-santa-claus Ježíšek or Santa Claus? - Prague Monitor]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jezisek}}
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