Halloween or Saint Luke? - what is celebrated in Serbia

Halloween, also known as Halloween, comes from the Celtic tradition and is celebrated on October 31. It is usually associated with costume parties, pumpkin decorating and candy. Although it is not a traditional Serbian holiday, many people in Serbia have accepted this fun event from Western culture. During Halloween, children often dress up in costumes and go around houses looking for candy, while adults organize parties and events inspired by this holiday.

Saint Luke, on the other hand, is a Christian holiday dedicated to Saint Luke the Evangelist, one of the four evangelists. This holiday is celebrated on October 31 according to the Julian calendar, or on November 13 according to the Gregorian calendar. Saint Luke is especially revered among Orthodox Christians, and this day is often marked with prayers and church ceremonies.

Therefore, both Halloween and Saint Luke are present in the calendar of events in Serbia, but they have completely different traditions and origins. Halloween is seen more as a fun and cultural event, while St. Luke's is a religious holiday that has special significance among Orthodox believers.

Here are some interesting facts about Halloween and Saint Luke in the context of Serbia:

Saint Luke as the patron saint of doctors: Saint Luke is traditionally considered the patron saint of doctors, and therefore this celebration is often accompanied by special prayers and blessings of health workers in Serbia.

Folklore stories about Halloween: Although Halloween is not a part of Serbian tradition, many people in Serbia are interested in this holiday because of popular movies, series and literature. Costume parties and themed parties are becoming increasingly popular among the younger population.

Combining customs: Given the cultural diversity in Serbia, it is not uncommon for people to combine different customs and celebrations. For example, families may mark Halloween with children's masquerades while also participating in religious activities related to St. Luke.

Adjusting the calendar: With the changes in the calendars (Julian and Gregorian), some people in Serbia celebrate Saint Luke twice - according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, thus extending the time for celebration and traditional customs.

Influence of global culture: The influence of the media and global culture has made Halloween ubiquitous in Serbia, with shops offering costumes, decorations and sweets, and many catering facilities organizing themed parties.

Together, these curiosities show how traditional and modern elements merge in the cultural landscape of Serbia during Halloween and the celebration of Saint Luke.