Pohrudnicí

Pohrudnicí refers to a traditional Czech and Slovak folk custom involving the ritualistic awakening of a newborn baby from its initial sleep. The term originates from the Czech verb *pohrudnout*, meaning "to awaken" or "to rouse," and is closely tied to the cultural belief in protecting the child from evil spirits during the first days of life.

The practice typically occurs on the seventh day after birth, known as the *sedmý den* (seventh day) in Czech folklore. On this day, the baby is gently roused from its slumber, often by a family member or a trusted neighbor, to symbolize the transition from vulnerability to active life. The ritual is accompanied by various customs, such as the baby being dressed in new clothes, given a name, or presented with small gifts like coins or amulets believed to ward off misfortune.

In some regions, the awakening is marked by a light meal or a small celebration, where the baby is fed for the first time outside the home. The custom reflects older agricultural and animistic beliefs, where the first days of a child’s life were considered critical for their future well-being. While the practice has diminished in modern times due to secularization, it remains a nostalgic part of Czech and Slovak folk traditions, often preserved in rural communities or during cultural festivals.

Pohrudnicí is also mentioned in historical records and folk tales, where it is sometimes linked to protective charms or prayers recited during the ritual. The custom exemplifies the broader theme of safeguarding children in Slavic folklore, where rituals like naming ceremonies or first haircuts held similar symbolic significance. Today, it serves as a cultural reminder of the region’s heritage and the importance of communal support in early childhood.