The Serbian people do not divide their customs into church and folk, and therefore in every local holiday or rite one can feel the great influence of Orthodoxy. Slavs by origin, the Serbs took a lot from neighboring peoples, and in their traditions, notes of Thracian and Balkan customs are clearly traced. Being here on vacation or on business, every traveler invariably comes across the traditions of Serbia, and this acquaintance turns out to be very pleasant and rewarding.
Godmother Glory
The most important custom of the Serbs is the celebration of Glory. This tradition of Serbia is unique and inimitable, and its meaning lies in the fact that every family has its saint here. He is revered by all members of the family and is inherited on the paternal line. When a woman gets married, she honors the Glory of her husband.
The Glory of the Cross is not only family, but also clan, church or rural, when the saint is venerated by the whole family, church parish or village. It is believed that this tradition of Serbia came from ancestors who lived in pre-Christian times, when many gods existed in people's lives.
The celebration of the Glory of the Cross includes several rites:
- On the eve of an important day, a priest is invited to the house and asked to consecrate the house and water. It is on it that the main dish for the festive table is prepared.
- All family members gather for a gala dinner, and on the table there is certainly a kalach and kolivo - porridge with raisins, poured with honey and boiled in holy water.
- In the morning of the same day, the family goes to the temple and partakes of the sacrament. During the service, one should pray for the health of the living members of the clan and for the repose of those who have left this world.
- The refreshments should also be served for guests, in order to receive those who do not celebrate Glory on this day.
- Day of the Cross of Glory in the village is celebrated by the whole world. This takes place under a sacred tree on which a cross is carved.
Eyes to eyes
When greeting someone or getting to know someone, local residents always look their interlocutor in the eye. This Serbian tradition demonstrates pure thoughts and good intentions. It is customary to look into each other's eyes, clinking glasses during feasts.
When meeting, you need to shake hands, and then kiss three times, if you were introduced to a relative of a friend, wife or husband. When entering a store, cafe or restaurant, be sure to say hello. This is customary in the traditions of Serbia and it disposes to pleasant communication between your interlocutors.
