Other

At least several times a week, meals are cooked in 9 out of 10 households, only 8 % of respondents said that they only cooked several times a month or even less. Three quarters of the population eat in restaurants at least several times a month, while every fifth respondent admits that their family does not eat in restaurants at all. From the point of view of a healthy and regular diet, it is not a very good finding that 5 % of Czechs do not have breakfast and the same number misses lunch.

Within the May survey Public Opinion Research Centre concentrated on the topic of traditional Czech cuisine. The research included a section of questions devoted to finding out which traditional regional meals respondents know and if they themselves cook them. From the results it arises that people most often consider as regional meals – potato pancakes, potato cakes, kulajda (cream of mushroom soup), kyselo (mushroom sour cream sauce), cakes and goulash, and they also most frequently cook these meals in their household.

Ingredients, which Czech citizens most frequently associate traditional Czech cuisine with, include potatoes, cabbage and cottage cheese. Typically Czech meals, such as yeast fruit dumplings, garlic soup and potato pancakes, were tasted by practically all respondents at some time. Three quarters of respondents also prepare these meals in their own households. Hot cross-buns are least known by respondents.

From the results of the May survey it arises that people associate the term "traditional Czech cuisine" mainly with roast pork, with dumplings and cabbage. Others connect it with beef sirloin in cream sauce, some others with pork schnitzel or goulash. Association with sweet meals, such as fruit dumplings or buns with filling is also quite common. Other meals perceived as typical in traditional Czech cuisine are for example: potato pancakes, roast goose or duck and dumplings as a side dish.

Keeping to tradition and folk customs is considered to be important by two thirds of citizens (66 %), while approximately three people out of ten (31 %) have the opposite opinion. Regardless of this, 99 % of households keep to tradition and customs at least in some cases. As far as traditional meals associated with some specific festive occasions are concerned, almost in all households (96 %) the traditional menu is prepared in connection with Christmas Eve, in two thirds at Easter, and in a half of households on New Year’s Day.

Three fifths of Czechs over 15 years of age (61 %) have moved house at least once in the course of their lives, with 25 % moving only once, 19 % twice, 11 % three times and 6 % respondents said that during their lives they had moved more than three times. In the population over 19 years of age, two thirds (66 %) of inhabitants have experienced moving at least once. The ratio of people, who have never moved during their lifetime, is significantly higher in villages than in towns.

Within the May survey Public Opinion Research Centre was asking questions about satisfaction with life in places, where people lived. The question “Are you satisfied overall with living in your neighbourhood?” was answered by 69 % of respondents saying they were satisfied with living in their neighbourhood, 6% expressed dissatisfaction and 25 % were undecided. Furthermore, respondents were asked if they considered moving from their neighbourhood.

The survey showed that 43 % of respondents would prefer an urban area as the place of their permanent residence, while the countryside would be chosen by 41 %. Two percent voiced other opinions and 14 % could not decide. As to places of urban character, a similar number of respondents chose cities with a population over 100 thousand (a total of 15 %) and towns of medium size with 20 thousand to 100 thousand inhabitants (16 %).

The survey results reveal that we derive most pleasure from being given a present. This is followed by an afternoon’s relaxation with a cup of good coffee or tea, and by an evening spent in front of a TV. In general, we consider waiting for a late bus more annoying than getting up in the morning. The latter is, however, resented by younger generations in particular. Organisations conducting surveys of public opinion will be pleased to learn that we consider answering survey questions considerably less irritating than waiting for a late bus or getting up in the morning.

People put the most trust in those close to them and in themselves. From individuals, who influence the opinions of citizens, teachers and television and radio presenters enjoy the greatest trust. Confidence in public opinion researchers, newspaper journalists and mayors is considerably lower, and it gets even worse for priests. Trust in senators and politicians is very low, when only about every fifth respondent voiced his trust in them.