Czech Christmas in St. Paul

Czech Christmas ornaments, crafted from glass beads strung on wire, will be the focus of a free exhibit and lecture on December 20 at the historic Česko-Slovanský Podporujíc í Spolek (C.S.P.S.) Hall at 383 Michigan Street in Saint Paul. (For even more Czech culture, check out the Bake and Take for the Holidays cooking class on December 17, where you can learn to make Vánočka/Christmas Bread with raisins and nuts.)

Imported Czech Christmas ornaments, popular in the United States during the first part of the twentieth century, are now sought after works of folk art. The early two-dimensional beaded ornaments were first made in Czechoslovakia around 1845. The lightness and movement of the ornaments gave them a dancing quality on Christmas trees. By the '20s, these popular ornaments morphed from two-dimensions to three and featured figures such as butterflies, bicycles, people, and Zeppelins.

Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota will present a free exhibit and program from 1:30-3:30 December 20, showcasing these antique ornaments, featuring Sandee Kelsey's eclectic collection. Kelsey has been researching and collecting antique Christmas ornaments for 30 years, and has given talks to Minnesota antique clubs and historical societies on topics including the history of the Christmas ornament and Czech beaded ornaments. Her talk on December 20 will include historical photographs and examples. Bring your own beaded ornaments to share with the group. For more information, visit the Czech and Sokol Minnesota website or call 651-920-0542.