Czech Easter decorations are prohibited from sale in shops, says Trade Ministry

With Czech Easter Monday (April 5 this year) just a few weeks away, traditional decorations like colorful whips and hand-painted eggs have begun to pop up at Czech supermarkets and other stores allowed to remain open under current anti-COVID-19 measures.

But if you want to purchase some Easter decor (in person, at least), you may want to act fast: the sale of these goods should be prohibited under current regulations, says the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade.

"Easter goods do not fall within the exceptions set out in the relevant government resolution, which restricts retail sales," the Trade Ministry's Miluše Trefancová has told Seznam Zprávy.

"Enforcement of the adopted anti-crisis measures falls under the jurisdiction of the Police of the Czech Republic."

A police spokesperson confirmed that fines are being handed out for the sale of unauthorized goods, but stopped short of specifying Easter decor among the prohibited items.

Still, whips, eggs, and other material can currently be seen on the shelves of Czech supermarkets and drugstores.

Seznam Zprávy reached out to a handful of retailers about the issue, who pointed out a recommendation from the Czech Association of Trade and Tourism (SOCR).

"Based on the recommendation of SOCR, which consulted with the Ministry of Health, [Easter decorations] fall under the section of reverential goods and decorative goods for festive occasions (Christmas, Easter, etc.)," Billa spokesperson Dana Bratánková told Seznam Zprávy.

"From this point of view, we sell goods in accordance with the current measure."

The SOCR recommendation, however, was issued on February 3. Stricter measures came into effect on March 1 that prohibited the sale of stationery goods and children's shoes, among other items that were available for purchase in February.

According to the Czech Ministry of Trade, Easter decor also falls among the items now prohibited from sale.

Easter whips (pomlázky), used by men to playfully spank women on Easter morning, are among the Czech Republic's more unusual traditions. They are traditionally made from intertwined willow twigs, and decorated with colorful ribbon.

Due to social distancing measures and restrictions on free movement, Czech Easter traditions will largely be celebrated at home in 2021 for the second consecutive year.