At this time of year (All Hallows or All Souls) Czech families go to visit the graves of their loved ones. Instead of taking flowers, many people leave horse-chestnuts instead. Horse-chestnuts? Yes, for these are regarded as a symbol of renewal and energy. I found this gravestone in the cemetery at Vyšehrad. The word
rodina means 'family' and someone had carefully placed their conkers as interlocking hearts.
My Czech friends regard the British game of conkers as something approaching sacrilege! The idea of deliberately trying to smash an object that brings health and energy is outside their comprehension - instead they carry a horse-chestnut in the pocket and rub it in their hand when feeling tired or anxious.
Sheila
Tags: Photo journalism
Prague
Czech republic
Landscape and travel
All souls
Stockczech
Vysehrad
All hallows
Horsechestnut
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