Christmas cake

Christmas cake.

The vánočka is a traditional Czech bread, typical of Christmas. It is rich in egg and butter, which makes it similar to brioche. Lemon skin and nutmeg add color and flavor, also containing raisins and almonds, which are braided like a challah. The vánočka can be elaborated from three braids smaller and smaller, what sometimes is interpreted like a crude sculpture of the Baby Jesus wrapped in a mantle and lying in a manger.

It has a reputation of being difficult to prepare, so in many homes the process has associated superstitions and special customs. When you do vánočka, it is said that one must think of someone dear. Another custom is to avoid touching with silver or other metal the vánočka. Finally, the person doing the vánočka should jump as the dough rises.

wiki