The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Wilson Charles Reagan Ray Celeste

Author:Wilson, Charles Reagan, Ray, Celeste
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Published: 2007-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Czechs

Since the mid-1800s Czechs have formed an important, though relatively small, ethnic group in the South. Czechs created settlements in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. By the beginning of the 20th century, over 250 Czech communities had developed in Texas in places such as Flatonia, Dubina, Caldwell, Richmond-Rosenburg, and Houston. These communities have long shared a commitment to keeping their land and maintaining strong family units. Particularly in rural areas, families often live on inherited or shared land that places them in close proximity to extended family members. Such strongly interwoven communities perpetuate transgenerational traditions.

From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Czechs in the South often established presses and published newspapers and bulletins in their language. Additionally, they formed lodges and sokols (social groups) in many communities. Lodges generally maintained support of widows and orphans, assisted the poor, and provided socialization for the men of the community. No longer extant, southern sokols were dedicated to creating “sound minds and bodies.” They were focused on gymnastics and provided entertainment in the forms of contests and educational games until the mid-20th century.

Czech communities throughout the South celebrate their heritage and culture at yearly festivals dedicated to the sharing of genealogical information, history, foodways, material culture, music, and dance. The well-known kolache, a Czech fruit-filled pastry, has become a Texas favorite. In other parts of the South, kolaches have become a commercialized food sold at doughnut shops and bakeries. Sometimes, kolaches are filled with sausage and look more like the commonly known pig in a blanket. Many Czech cooks make poppyseed cakes, braided holiday breads, and a wide array of traditional cookies. Czech gatherings also feature roast goose, duck, and pork and an array of sausages. Dumplings often accompany these dishes. At one time, Czechs were noted beer brewers and winemakers.

Many Czechs continue to be devoted to needleworking, carving, whittling, and quilting. Needle artists often crochet pieces derived from older Czech patterns, producing table scarves, doilies, and other crocheted items. Many Czech communities have maintained a strong commitment to dance traditions, and they continue to produce Czech dancing costumes. These entail a white, lace-trimmed blouse, a black or red vest embroidered with flowers or other traditional motifs, with a red skirt for women and black pants for men. Some community members make jewelry from Czech glass beads. The kraslice, an egg-decorating tradition using a wax-and-dye method, has survived in many Czech communities. These eggs are elaborately decorated with intricate traditional designs, and Czechs often give them as Easter presents.

Czechs continue to play traditional music at dances and gatherings. Among the many native dances popular at gatherings is the polka. The accordion, clarinet, and tuba form the backbone of most Czech musical groups, and Czech music regularly features in the programming of some central Texas radio stations. Singing and instrumental music remain important aspects of Czech culture.

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