Czech It Out

Here is a real-photo card of a woman wearing a traditional Czech costume. The picture dates from sometime between 1930 and 1950.

These next two appear to be from Uherské Hradiště, a center of Moravian Slovakia located in the Czech Republic near the border with Slovakia.

Both of these photos have interesting studio props. There are tassels on the furniture in the first one, but also on the chair in the second photo. The clock plant stand is also an unusual addition. The second photo appears to be a wedding portrait. Both photos have pushpin holes indicating that they were pinned up somewhere to be viewed as treasured memories.

Here are the backs of the cards in the same order. The last two cards have writing on the back. Alas, I don't speak Czech or Slovak, but I think the first one says Sister Marika and Franta's wife and the second one says something about my wife and I. If you can read this, feel free to correct.

The Czech/Slovak Holiday Food Pyramid

Just in time for the holidays, the Korinek family has provided some eating recommendations in the form of a revised food pyramid.

Created by Dawn Korinek

If you're not Czech or Slovak, feel free to replace these categories with your own ethnic substitutions. I know that my pyramid would certainly include some pickled herring.

But if you'd like to stick to the Czeck/Slovak pyramid, here's a recipe for Buchta to get you started:

 And finally, a graphic from 1880,  urging you to stay hydrated.

Here's the back of the last one

If you're still hungry after this, head on over to Sepia Saturday for more yummy treats.

A Slovak Christmas Greeting

I wish I knew what this postcard has to say. I know that the  front says Merry Christmas in Slovak, but I'm afraid I have no idea about the message on the back. Any Slovaks out there?

Update: A very nice anonymous person responded with the following translation:

Dear Jozinka and Janko,

We wish you warmly and happily a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to be enjoyed with your children. May God bless you with good health and prosperity and that you live happily for many years.

Your mom Paula.

Jozka, we sent a package to your address, please give to Maris N.

I especially appreciate the translation, because it confirms that this is a family postcard sent from the great grandparents of the architect who steals my covers to his grandparents.

Click here to check out (no pun intended!) this more recent post with the Slovak Holiday Food Pyramid.