Serbian Slava in September: A Month of New Beginnings and Autumn Blessings

Beheading of St. John the Baptist – Usekovanje (September 11th)

This day is not a celebration in the usual sense but a "Great Feast" observed in memory of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.

• A Day of Strict Fasting: Regardless of which day of the week it falls on, this is a day of strict fasting (water only).

• Folk Customs: Serbian tradition holds unique beliefs for this day. It is customary not to eat anything red (tomatoes, watermelon, red grapes) as it symbolizes the blood of the Saint. Many also avoid using knives, preferring to break bread by hand.

• Spiritual Gift: An Icon of the Beheading of St. John serves as a powerful reminder of faith and truth, often kept in homes that hold this Saint in high regard.

Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God – Mala Gospojina (September 21st)

Following the solemnity of early September comes a great joy. Known as "Mala Gospojina" (Little Mary), this feast celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most beloved and common Slavas in Serbia.

• The Start of Autumn & Weddings: This holiday is considered the true beginning of autumn. Traditionally, it marks the start of the wedding season and large folk fairs (sabori) across Serbia.

• Weather Lore: It is believed that if the weather is clear on Mala Gospojina, the sun will warm us throughout the autumn and winter.

• The Slava Table: Unlike other September feasts, this is a joyous day. Unless it falls on a Wednesday or Friday, the feast is "mrsna" (includes meat). It is the perfect time to decorate your home with new woven tablecloths and serve the Slava bread using traditional candle holders.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Krstovdan (September 27th)

Autumn Krstovdan is a major holiday commemorating the finding of the True Cross on Golgotha by Empress Helena. It is the day when the Cross is "exalted," and the faithful bow before it.

• A Strict Fast: Like Good Friday, Krstovdan is a day of strict fasting. The Serbian saying goes: "Whoever crosses themselves with the Cross, fasts on Krstovdan."

• Basil and Grapes: Basil is blessed in churches on this day, and families take it home for protection and health. It is also the traditional day to harvest and eat the final grapes of the season.

• Slava Essentials: For those who celebrate Krstovdan as their Slava, the focus is on the spiritual aspect. Explore our collection of hand-carved wall crosses and Lenten Slava sets to complete your holy table.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do Serbs fast on Mala Gospojina?

Not necessarily. Fasting on Mala Gospojina (Sept 21st) is only required if the holiday falls on a Wednesday or Friday. Otherwise, it is a celebratory feast with meat.

What is the difference between the Winter and Autumn Krstovdan?

The Autumn Krstovdan (Sept 27th) commemorates the finding of the Holy Cross. The Winter Krstovdan (Jan 18th) is the eve of Epiphany (Bogojavljenje). Both are strict fasting days.

Why is red food avoided on the day of St. John’s Beheading?

This is a folk custom rather than a church canon. It serves as a symbolic reminder of the blood spilled by the Saint, encouraging a mood of repentance and mourning.

What is a suitable gift for a host celebrating a September Slava?

Given the spiritual nature of these holidays, a high-quality icon, a wooden carved cross, or a bottle of premium red wine (symbolically linked to the Cross) are excellent choices.

September teaches us balance—how to celebrate life (Mala Gospojina) while preparing for spiritual challenges through restraint (Krstovdan).