pokládanou

Pokládanou is a traditional folk custom primarily observed in the Czech Republic, particularly in the Moravian region. The word "pokládanou" translates loosely to "laying down" or "placing," which refers to the central act of the tradition.

The custom typically takes place on the evening of Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter. It is a ritual where young women, usually unmarried, would symbolically "lay down" or "place" themselves on the ground at the village boundaries. This act was often performed at dusk or during the night.

The specific meanings and interpretations of pokládanou vary across different localities, but a common understanding is that it was a ritual for fertility and ensuring good crops for the coming year. By connecting with the earth in this manner, the women sought to invoke its generative power. Another interpretation suggests it was a way for the women to assert their presence and connection to the land they were leaving behind, perhaps as they anticipated marriage and moving to a new home.

The practice often involved a silent procession or gathering, and the act of lying down was performed with a degree of solemnity. While the exact origins are somewhat obscure, it is believed to have roots in ancient pagan fertility rites that were later Christianized or incorporated into the Easter observances. Today, pokládanou is largely a historical custom, though some villages may revive it as a cultural reenactment during the Easter period.