What Unfolded in December?
December is the final month of the year, marking the period of Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This month often involves thoughtful preparation for the festivities. In “December Prophecies,” we’ll explore where to find enjoyment during this month, along with a brief look at notable days, anniversaries, and intriguing happenings in December.
1 December 1994 – UNESCO inscription of the pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk on Zelená hora
The Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk located on Zelená Hora in Žďár nad Sázavou is among the most significant examples of Baroque Gothic architecture, created by the talented architect Jan Blazej Santini. This building was recognized for its cultural importance when it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 1, 1994.
December 1, 1999 – registration of the Litomyšl Chateau to UNESCO
On December 1, 1999, the Litomyšl Chateau was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting its historical and architectural significance.
2 December 1805 – Battle of Austerlitz
On December 2, 1805, the largest Napoleonic battle fought on Czech soil took place in the area between Slavkov and Brno. Known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, it involved French Emperor Napoleon I., Tsar Alexander I of Russia, and Emperor Francis of Austria. This significant battle, which witnessed Austria, Russia, and France in conflict, resulted in a French victory. A truce was formally established at the Slavkov castle on December 6. The Battle of Austerlitz is known as one of the bloodiest confrontations in our history, with estimates suggesting as many as 60,000 casualties. Napoleon himself regarded this battle as his most valued victory. The battle is commemorated by various monuments, including the Peace Memorial and a scenic trail.
2 December 1848 – the beginning of the 67-year long reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
In Olomouc, Emperor Ferdinand I the Good abdicated in favor of his nephew, leading to the ascension of the 18-year-old Franz Joseph I as the new emperor. He would go on to rule for sixty-seven years.
2 December 2000 – UNESCO inscription of the Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc
On December 2, 2000, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided to include the Baroque Holy Trinity Column located in Olomouc on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4 December 1992 – UNESCO inscription of Prague, Český Krumlov and Telč
On December 4, 1992, the historical centers of Prague, Český Krumlov, and Telč were recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These areas were the very first monuments in the Czech Republic to receive such prestigious recognition.
December 6 – St. Nicholas
The night of December 6 is traditionally dedicated to St. Nicholas, who has been bringing the spirit of Advent into Czech homes and streets for centuries. St. Nicholas visits children accompanied by an angel and a devil, sharing candies and small gifts. This fun celebration serves as a reminder of generosity, kindness, and a touch of playful mischief, marking the beginning of the most wonderful time of year in the Czech Republic.
6 December 1774 – Maria Theresa introduced universal education
In 1774, Maria Theresa famously expressed her desire for children between the ages of six and twelve to attend school. The adoption of the General School Code initiated what became the most significant education reform in Czech history. However, attending school was not mandatory initially, since there was no public school network established. Mandatory schooling was ultimately introduced with the Education Act adopted on May 14, 1869.
7 December 1996 – registration of the Lednice-Valtice area to UNESCO
The beautifully crafted landscape of gardens, forests, and water created by the Liechtenstein family around the towns of Valtice and Lednice in South Moravia, primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries, covers almost three hundred square kilometers. This area has been hailed as one of the most charming human-made sites in the Czech Republic and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 7, 1996.
8 December 1995 – Kutná Hora’s entry into UNESCO
Kutná Hora’s remarkably preserved historic core, which encapsulates the essence of medieval Europe, was officially included on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 8, 1995. This recognition highlights the importance of its historical sites, like the Church of St. Barbara and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Sedlec.
December 8, 1998 – registration of Kroměříž and Holašovice to UNESCO
On December 8, 1998, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the village conservation area of Holašovice and the Archbishop’s Castle in Kroměříž, along with its Gardens of Flowers and Subchateau Garden, to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
10 December – Nobel Prize award ceremony
Since 1902, the Nobel Prize ceremony has been held every year on December 10, which is the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, taking place in Stockholm. The majority of these prestigious awards are presented by the King of Sweden, while the Nobel Peace Prize is given during a separate ceremony in Oslo. The world is aware of the winners before this ceremony, as the various committees announce their choices in October. Here you can discover which Czech authors were nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature but did not win, as well as which Nobel laureates have Czech ancestry!
December 11, 1949 – The Miracle of Chihosht
The small village of Číhošt made history on December 11, 1949. On that day, during Mass, it was reported that the wooden cross on the main altar of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary moved unexpectedly. This miracle garnered interest from the State Security. The parish priest, Josef Toufar, was arrested in January and detained in the Valdice prison. Unfortunately, he died due to torture while in custody on February 25, 1950. His memory is honored with a memorial in Ledč nad Sázavou and a statue in the Church of St. Vitus in Zahrádka.
13 December 1924 – The first Christmas Tree of the Republic was erected in Brno
Just two days before Christmas Eve in 1919, writer and journalist Rudolf Těsnohlídek went for a walk in the woods with friends and discovered a cold, abandoned little girl named Liduška near Bílovice nad Svitavou. She was taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Polák from Brno. Earlier, on a trip to Copenhagen, Těsnohlídek had seen a decorated Christmas tree, where a collection for poor children was being held, likely the first public Christmas tree in Europe. He introduced the Scandinavian custom, and on December 13, 1924, the first Republic Christmas Tree was lit in Brno in Liberty Square, originating from the forests of Bílovice, where today you can visit Těsnohlídek Valley and the lookout tower named after Liduška.
15 December 1993 – 5000 CZK banknote put into circulation
A new banknote with a face value of 5,000 CZK, the highest denomination issued so far, was introduced in the Czech Republic on December 15, 1993. At Kudy z boredom, you’ll find various coins, banknotes, and currency as unique invitations to travel. We will also share the story of the Czech National Bank and the mysterious woman who appeared on the First Republic banknotes, as well as the giant gold coin and the legendary Jáchymov thalers.
16 December 2001 – UNESCO inscription of Villa Tugendhat in Brno
The functionalist Villa Tugendhat, located in Brno, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 16, 2001.
17 December 1895 – Laurin & Klement or Škoda Auto is founded
Škoda Auto, among the world’s oldest automobile manufacturers, began its journey when machine locksmith Václav Laurin and bookseller Václav Klement, who were both passionate about cycling, decided to rent a workshop in Mladá Boleslav. They started producing wheels that were affordable but made of high-quality materials on December 17, 1895.
December 17, 1938 – Fast Arrows was released
Do you know “The Quick Arrows,” the comic series created by author Jaroslav Foglar featuring characters like Mirek Dušín, Jarek Metelka, Jindra Hojer, Červenáček, and Rychlonožka? The first installment was published in the magazine Mladý hlasatel on December 17, 1938, illustrated by artists Jan Fischer, Václav Junek, Bohumír Čermák, and Marko Čermák. Explore the story behind these renowned comics, their creator, and the fascinating Stínadla with Kudy z boredom.
19 December 1926 – premiere of Janáček’s opera The Makropulos Affair
The premiere of Leoš Janáček’s new opera, entitled The Makropulos Affair, occurred in Brno, based on Karel Čapek’s play of the same name.
December 21, 1834 – the song Kde domov můj, the Czech national anthem, was sung for the first time
On December 21, 1834, the play Fidlovačka by Josef Kajetán Tyl debuted at the Estates Theatre in Prague. While the play itself was not notably successful, the song “Where is my home,” composed by the famous musician František Škroup, became hugely popular. The song’s celebratory lyrics were soon sung widely throughout Prague, particularly the memorable line, “…and this is the beautiful land – the Czech land – my home…”. This beloved song now serves as the Czech national anthem.
December 21 – Winter Solstice
The winter solstice is a traditional event that brings about the longest night of the year, yet it also symbolizes hope, as after this date, the days gradually start to become longer again. Ancient customs viewed this time as a mystical period representative of new beginnings, shelter, and tranquility.. This event serves as a gentle reminder that even amidst the winter freeze, a fresh start is possible.
22 December 1573 – Palacký University in Olomouc was founded
Palacký University, established in 1573, has been a crucial influence on European ideas for over 450 years. While it is now known as a modern and respected university, its legacy dates back to a much earlier time. It stands as the second oldest university in the Czech Republic and the oldest one in Moravia. For generations, it has enriched scientific understanding, culture, and community life in the city, region, and nation.
December 22, 1812 – the first Christmas tree in Prague
As a delightful surprise for his Christmas Eve guests, Estates Theatre director Johann Carl Liebich decorated his home in Libeň with the first Christmas tree in Prague on December 22, 1812. He introduced this festive tradition from his native Bavaria, complete with decorations and gifts, creating a magical atmosphere for his visitors.
23 December 1989 – symbolic cutting of the Iron Curtain
Following the Velvet Revolution in November, the Iron Curtain—representing the border barriers between Czechoslovakia and Germany—was symbolically severed near Rozvadov on December 23, 1989.
24 December 1796 – Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass was first heard
The well-known Czech Christmas Mass, composed by Jakub Jan Ryba, has become a cherished symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations. It was first performed in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, where Ryba served as a beloved teacher and organist. Experiencing the “Rybovka” in Rožmitál is unforgettable, especially since the original organ Ryba played still resonates here.
27 December 1963 – proclamation of the Šumava Protected Landscape Area
The Šumava region is one of the Czech Republic’s most treasured natural environments. The Protected Landscape Area encompasses nearly a thousand square kilometers, including iconic sites such as Boubin, Povydri, and Black and Devil’s Lake. Following the establishment of Šumava National Park in 1991, the area became a protective zone. It continues to safeguard the distinct mosaic of Šumava’s landscapes, featuring dense forests, mountain peat bogs, and serene spots with breathtaking views.
29 December 1941 – symbolic beginning of Operation Anthropoid
On this day, Jozef Gabcik and Jan Kubiš landed on Czech soil near Nehvizd as part of their resistance operation called Anthropoid. Their mission culminated in the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, which took place on May 27, 1942, in Libeň. Tragically, both paratroopers were killed during the ensuing offensive at the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius on June 18, 1942.
29 December 1989 – Václav Havel elected President of Czechoslovakia
One month after the Velvet Revolution in November 1989 and following Gustáv Husák’s abdication, Václav Havel was elected President of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic by the Federal Assembly. In his inauguration address, Havel promised to lead the country towards free elections, which he successfully achieved in the summer of 1990. After the first democratic elections, Havel was again confirmed as president on July 5, 1990.
