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THIS CHRISTMAS photograph taken in 1935 is from Linhartovce, a village in the Gemer region in eastern Slovakia. The family in it is most likely that of a Czech military officer serving in Slovakia. During the time of the first Czechoslovak Republic, many Czechs emigrated to Slovakia to serve as teachers, technicians, police, doctors, soliders and actors.
The furnishings in the picture, particularly the gramophone, indicate the family was probably upper class. A decorated Christmas tree was already a well-established tradition in Slovakia, having arrived from Germany in the 19th century. A nativity scene had been more common, and continued to be used, either alone or together with a Christmass tree.
Prepared by Branislav Chovan
