Easter

Easter!!! Czech style!!!

It certainly is different than in the U.S. I was woken up Monday morning by my host mom, who knocked on my door. I went to answer it, and then my host brother and dad hopped into my room and started to spank me with whips made from willow branches. Dont worry, its not exchange student torture, its just tradition. In return, I had to give them hard boiled eggs that I had dyed. During breakfast, more people knockes on the door. I was summoned to the door by my host mom, and saw 5 of my host brothers classmates. So, I after more spanking, they were also given eggs, chocolate, and shots of rum (alcohol is also a major part of the tradition, but only for the guys). Next, the neighbor and his friend dropped by to have their go at me and my host mom. Finally, we escaped and went on a 47 km bike ride all day. I did receive a few more whippings from various people, but managed to finish the day with no serious harm from the branches. But, I must say that my butt was aching from the wood-like bike seat.

So...the explanation. Guys hit girls with the hand braided whips in oder to make them prttier and younger. We are supposed to be super happy about this abuse and give them eggs, sweets, and alcohol. In the east part of the country, guys also throw cold water on the girls (I dont know the 'logic' behind that one..) and in return the grils also spray perfum on the guys. Fun times huh?