Czech scouts distribute Light of Bethlehem around country

Czech scouts are distributing the Light of Bethlehem, a post-Velvet Revolution symbol of the Christmas season, to churches and other public institutions around the country on Saturday. People can find all the places where the flame will be distributed on the website www.betlemskesvetlo.cz and can use it up to Christmas Day to light their own lamps, lanterns and candles to take home. The flame symbolises the spreading of peace and friendship as it travels across Europe.

The Light of Bethlehem has been in the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Brno for the past week, after having been brought by train in two lanterns from Linz, Austria last weekend.

The tradition of the Light of Bethlehem was established by a regional studio of the Austrian state broadcaster ORF in 1986. Czechia has been taking part since December 1989.