Witches’ Night

Every year on the night April 30^th, we go out to light a big fire to celebrate Pálení čarodějnic  (The Burning of the Witches, or Witches' Night).   
To prevent any misunderstanding, let me explain. It is an ancient pagan custom, which should protect people against evil and demons. This custom has nothing to do with the inquisitorial process in the Middle Ages in Europe nor in 1692 in Salem in Massachusetts.

The night of 30 April was considered magical.  The day was originally celebrated on the full moon which is exactly between the spring equinox and summer solstice.  It celebrates the coming of spring and the warmth and rebirth that people welcome after the winter.  The fire symbolically purifies people and animals from the ills and impure thoughts that have accumulated in the dark winter.  These days, thankfully, Witches' Night is a more light-hearted affair -- more an excuse for a party than it is a pagan rite.

Pavel Jareš, 24 May 2012

A pyre is built with logs in a pyramid eight or nine feet tall.  An effigy of a witch is placed at the top.  (Cetoraz 30 Apr 2012)

The fire is lit and the “witch” is burned. (Cetoraz 30 Apr 2012)

Lukáš and Jiří, Pavel‘s grandsons, celebrate with small paper lanterns.

 Šarka, Pavel’s daughter, and  her son, Jiří, enjoy toasting their food over the open fire.