Chodové

The Chodové (Chods, "Walkers", "Patrollers" or "Rangers") were a group of people in Bohemia, mainly in the surroundings of Domažlice, Tachov and Přimda (Chod region, Czech: Chodsko, German: Chodenland). They were displaced from one of the Polish regions (possibly Silesia) to guard the borders between Bohemia and Bavaria. They were direct servants of the king with significant privileges that differentiated them from other subjects. Their descendants still live in the surroundings of town Domažlice. They speak the Chod dialect, a very special dialect of Czech, enjoy unique and strong traditions and have some special musical instruments. The Czech painter Jaroslav Špillar lived among them for many years, capturing scenes from their daily life.

In 1325, the King of Bohemia, John of Luxembourg, acknowledged the rights of the Chodové people to use the woods of western Bohemia, provided that they also protected the borders along them. The Chodové used dogs (Chodský pes) to help accomplish this goal. For centuries the agreement held, until the local aristocrat of German origin W. M. Laminger von Albenreuth canceled it in the late seventeenth century. The Chodové revolted in 1695, but were unsuccessful.

Notable people

• Jan Sladký Kozina – legendary revolution leader in 17th century

Further reading

• Jirásek, Alois (1986) [First published 1886]. Psohlavci [The Dogheads] (in Czech) (64th ed.). Praha: Československý spisovatel. 

External links

• Chod's costumes and pottery – traditional folk costumes, embroideries and pottery (photos)
• The Chodove People – genealogical page about descendants of the Chods in America
• Chodsko Folk Festival – St. Lawrence Festival – major Chod festival held annually in town Domažlice