Jasličkári, jaslickare[1] (English: 'The Infant') or betlehemci[2] (English: 'The Bethlehemers') is a Christmas tradition within the Catholic communities of Slovakia where a troupe of young men visit the homes of their neighbors and perform recitations and songs to commemorate the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.[3] The performers are dressed in costumes said to represent shepherds or angels[3] and carry staffs and a creche.[4] They often accompany Christmas carolers.[2]

Jasličkári
Official nameJasličkári
Also calledThe Infant
Observed byCatholic communities of Slovakia
FrequencyAnnual

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Furdek: Jednota Annual. First Catholic Slovak Union. 1985.
  2. ^ a b The Slovak-American Newsletter. Slovak American Cultural Society of the Midwest. 2000.
  3. ^ a b Ball, Ann (2003). Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices. Our Sunday Visitor Publishing. pp. 271–. ISBN 9780879739102. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  4. ^ Seller, Maxine (1983). Ethnic Theatre in the United States. Greenwood Press. ISBN 9780313212307. Retrieved 20 November 2015.