Episode 46 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: MONTHS/MĚSÍCE

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

This week, we’ll immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Czech months, and you’ll discover that each month has a logical and intriguing etymology. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this exploration is for you. By the end of this week, you’ll not only understand the Czech months but feel confident using them!

Understanding the Czech Months

Let’s get started by introducing each month in its Czech form, followed by the English translation:

• Leden
  • January
• Únor
  • February
• Březen
  • March
• Duben
  • April
• Květen
  • May
• Červen
  • June
• Červenec
  • July
• Srpen
  • August
• Září
  • September
• Říjen
  • October
• Listopad
  • November
• Prosinec
  • December

Unveiling the Mysteries of Czech Month Names

Now, let’s delve into why each month is named as it is in Czech. It may help your memory remember the names with more ease:

• Leden: The first month of the year with 31 days. It derives its name from the word „led,“ meaning ice, as it is typically a very cold month.
• Únor: The second month, usually with 28 days except during leap years when it has 29. It comes from „nořit,“ meaning to immerse, as ice starts to thaw.
• Březen: The third month, with 31 days. It might originate from „březost“ (gestation) or „břízy“ (birch trees), highlighting the birth of new life or the budding of birch trees.
• Duben: The fourth month. Its name derives from „dub“ (oak), and it’s a period of rapidly changing weather, often referred to as „aprílové počasí“ (April weather that frequently changes).
• Květen: The fifth month, named from „květ“ (flower) because flowers and trees are in bloom.
• Červen: The sixth month offers multiple theories; it might be named for the red fruits, like cherries, or from „červ“ (worm), as these often appear in ripe fruit.
• Červenec: The seventh month, named for its hot weather and ripened red fruits from June. The final day of the month is an hour and a minute shorter than the first day of the month.
• Srpen: The eighth month, with 31 days. Its name comes from „srp“ (sickle), a tool historically used for harvesting grain.
• Září: The ninth month. People often think it means to shine (like the sun), but it’s actually from „za říje,“ relating to animal mating rituals accompanied by vocalizations.
• Říjen: The tenth month, named from „říje,“ the rutting period for deer. One student humorously dubbed it the „horny deer month.“
• Listopad: The eleventh month with 30 days, named because „listí“ (leaves) „padá“ (falls) from trees.
• Prosinec: The twelfth month, with several potential roots. It might derive from „prosvítat“ (to shine through), linked to the weak sunlight in winter, or „prosinoti,“ meaning the same. Lastly, the association with „prasata“ (pigs) comes from this cultural practice of pig slaughtering, which is deeply rooted in Czech tradition in December. During these events, various pork products are made, including „jitrnice“ (a type of sausage) and „tlačenka“ (brawn or white pudding).