National traditions of Czech Republic. Habits, mentality and the way of living

The Czech Republic has a rich culture and a complicated history. The latter is reflected in the character of Czechs - they are typically quite private persons and do not show emotions, especially to unfamiliar people. Many Czechs tend to have distrust, especially towards foreigners. Personal space is very important in the Czech Republic. At the same time, Czechs are quite hospitable, and only with long acquaintance their kind and friendly nature reveals. Czechs are more individualists than collectivists, and this applies to both personal life and work. Western habits prevail in business. Being late for official events and meetings is considered very rude.

Entering the house, Czechs remove their street shoes immediately and put on slippers. Almost every Czech house has shoes for guests. Even in the workplace people often change their shoes to lighter ones. Many Czechs, being at home with their families, can only be dressed in underwear - this should be borne in mind if you're planning to visit your Czech friend. His/her father can sit in a living room just in his underpants without feeling any embarrassment. Family plays a crucial role in the life of every Czech, often several generations live side by side. It is customary to respect all the elderly, including strangers. In public transport, locals give up their seats to older people and pregnant women.

At home, the roles of men and women are clearly divided. Women are expected to sacrifice careers for the sake of raising children and caring for the house and husband, men are traditionally bread-earners. Nevertheless, most women have jobs. Men and even little boys should not cry in public. Czechs use a polite form of address to strangers and unfamiliar people, as well as elders. People of the same age or with a small difference in age quickly shift to an informal form. If these are people of different sexes or with a big difference in age, a woman or an older person usually suggest going to first name terms. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Getting acquainted with someone, Czechs shake the hands, keeping eye contact. Friends are greeted the same way. Czechs are mostly logical and practical, and try to plan ahead, appreciating these qualities in others. The question "how are you?" should not be asked at the first meeting - this may be regarded as an interference with privacy. It happens because this kind of question is perceived as a literal desire to learn about the life and well-being of a person. Instead of the polite Western “I'm fine, thanks", the Czech can really start talking about his health, what he did yesterday, and how petrol prices make him angry.

Most Czechs are Catholics, but there are also many atheists in the country. Here faith is considered a private matter. During a conversation, Czechs are at arm's length from each other. Only people who don't want their conversation to be heard by others stand closer. Eye contact is always maintained. Being quite tolerant, many Czechs still have a negative attitude towards Gypsies living in the country, suspecting them of being prone to theft. In general, the crime rate in the Czech Republic is one of the lowest in the world, and the country is considered one of the safest for life.

Czech mentality can be called “a small country's mentality”. “A small but their own” - that's what many Czechs think, preferring to pay more attention to what is happening in their country than in the rest of the world. All Czechs are very fond of music, many love to sing at any opportunity, be it a wedding, a public holiday or just meeting up with friends for a beer. Czechs highly value education and respect educated people. Most Czechs are willing to spend the last money to ensure that their children receive the best higher education.

Most Czechs have national pride; they have a good opinion of their country, its culture, and other Czechs, being rarely prone to crude nationalism. Residents of the Czech Republic, being pragmatists and skeptics, solve the problems they face rationally and without unnecessary emotions. A Czech who openly shows emotions can usually be seen only in a pub. Over a beer, they often have heated debates on the hottest topics (politics, sports, economics) with friends and strangers.