Celebrate Matyáš and Matěj’s Name Day on February 24th

Matějové and Matyáš have quite a bit in common: the name Matyáš is an old version of the name Matěj. Historically, it was very popular, and today it is making a comeback in terms of popularity. It ranks among the most popular Czech male names, and it doesn’t really matter that the term “Matěj” is often used to describe clumsy individuals. This certainly isn’t true for families who cherish their beloved Matěj and Matyáš, as well as their variations from other countries like the Italian Matteo, the Swedish Matts, or Matthias.

There are no female versions of Matyášové or Matějové, but both names, stemming from the Hebrew phrase “Mattyth Jáh(u)” which means “gift from God,” share a similar significance with names like Matouš, Teodora, Jonatán, and even the old Czech name Božidar.

So, where can you see them featured on Kudy z nudy? We will remind you of St. Matthew’s Day, which is when the Matějská fair kicks off in Prague. We will also talk about Matyáš of Arras, who was the architect of St. Vitus Cathedral located at Prague Castle. Additionally, we will set out on a trip to appreciate the artistic creations of sculptor and woodcarver Matyáš Bernard Braun. Other notable figures include King Matyáš Korvín, the theatrical artist and puppeteer Matěj Kopecký, writer and publisher Václav Matěj Kramerius, mathematician and founder of the Mathematical Institute at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno, known as Matyáš Lerch, Matěj the Bear from Večerníček, as well as singers and actors Matěj Hádek and Matěj Ruppert.

With Kudy z nudy, you can explore the Jizera Mountains by following the Way of St. Matthias, spend some time at Camp Matyáš located in Vrané nad Vltavou, or admire the two Matyáš Gates. The first and larger gate is situated at Prague Castle, connecting the first and second courtyards, and it was likely completed in 1614 during the reign of Emperor Matthias I. The second Matthias Gate stands in Uherské Hradiště and is part of the town’s fortifications, which originally included walls with seven towers and three gates. This gate is named after King Matthias Corvinus.