CZECHS TO OBSERVE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF KING WENCESLAS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6918, 25 May 1929, Page 3 (Supplement)

CZECHS TO OBSERVE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF KING WENCESLAS

MEMORY OF VACLAV THE GOOD WILL BE HONOURED WITH MUCH CEREMONY PRAGUE, April 17. This year, from May on. is largely set apart by the Czcchn-Slovak government for celebrations of the lOPOlli anniversary of King Vaclav (Wenceslas) known to English-speaking people through the Christmas carol: Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen. Many cln not know that the legend of the royal friend of the poor was in all probability brought to England by Anne of Bohemia, the bride of Richard IT of England, in 1382. Out of compliment to the English visitors to Prague for the celebrations, the carol "'ill be sung in Czech translation.

Just as the immense equestrian statue of Vaclav dominates the iinesr street in Prague, so docs the memory of Vaclav the Good play a dominant part in Czech patriotism. It is very signi-

fa^\it to note that Bohemia V great mei have always been humanitarians an. thinkers rather than warn..,--. On has only to think of -lan lias. .lan lv. rncnskv (Comeim..- I ’.ducky. ami in-t Masnrvk, tu realise the truth cl' thi statement;.

A Wonceslas exhibition will be nr ranged at the castle, at which paintings ami historical evidence relating to 1 lie king will bo exhibited. Dr l’odh.ha. the bishop, will lend his private cnilertiun for the oeeasioia Tjie stadium in Bet ha, opened for the Sokol congress, will be used for the tournaments of the International Student association. Dvorak's oratorio, “Saint Ludmila. ! ’ and J. B. Doevster '.s “Holy Weiiceslas ’ ’ are to be given. In September memorial lectures on the significance of Vaclav in Czech history are ta be given in nii the schools and universities. A special film, of 3000 ft.. has been prepared to show the life oi the national hero.

On September 23, the St. Vitus cathedral of many towers, which overlooks the Moldan and the old and new cities of Prague, will be formally opened. For some time it has been given over to repair and restoration. In the process a still older church was discovered under the present one. and is now being excavated.