Spring family celebrations with the Serbs

The origin of Slava and its first mention

It is believed that the baptismal glory traces its roots back to the pre-Christian era, and that it originates from the cult of ancestors, as one of the most important proto-Slavic mythological cults. According to this theory, at the time of the Christianization of the old Slavs, the pagan household deities were "replaced" by Christian saints, protectors of families.


According to another theory, the glory of baptism has a fully ecclesiastical and biblical meaning and represents the faith of redemption through a prayerful conversation with the saint and God. The oldest mention of the baptismal glory among the Serbs dates back to 1018, from the area of ​​the Ohrid Archdiocese.

 

The significance of Slava

The feast of the Nativity celebrates the togetherness of the family. Therefore, it has a special meaning in the life of the Serbian people and in Serbian spirituality because it forms the pivot of Serbian culture. The glory of Christ through the unity of the Serbian family and the Serbian people.


Throughout history, we know that Serbs, due to various circumstances and through many migrations, changed their surnames but not their baptismal name. Therefore, its pragmatic value lies precisely in the fact that it is continuously transmitted from generation to generation, from ancestors to descendants, from father to son, which contributes to the unmistakable identification of kinship relationships, connections and origins.
 

Serbian icons, baptismal glories and other mandatory Slavic elements

The basic elements of every baptismal celebration are an icon, a cake, grain, wine and a candle. In addition, it is necessary to have a candlestick, or lamp, as well as a lamp. Everything else depends on the possibilities and will of the host.


Consecrated Serbian icons, a Slavic icon with which there should also be an icon of Jesus Christ and the Holy Mother of God, are always placed on the eastern wall of the most solemn room of the home. On the eve of the celebration, a candle is lit over the icon of the baptized saint and it burns for two or three days.


The celebration candle should be bigger than pure wax. The host lights the candle after returning from church, or after the arrival of the priest in the home, if the cake is cut at home. The celebratory cake is an indispensable custom related to the celebration of baptism, as it represents the offering of a sacrifice as a sign of gratitude to the patron of the home for a rich harvest and the well-being of the household. Along with the slavic cake, grain, or sheaf, is also consecrated, and in this rite of consecration, wine is poured over it, which represents one of the basic symbols of Christianity.

Spring family celebrations with the Serbs

Epiphany and other family celebrations fall mainly in the period of the year when the Serbian peasant has less responsibilities in the field and around the livestock, which means from autumn to late spring. And because of the nice weather and the variety of food, spring celebrations are popular among the people.
In addition to Easter, which usually falls in April, spring celebrations include Mladenci, St. George's Day, Mark's Day, St. Vasilije Ostroški, Jeremijevdan, St. John the Baptist, summer Nicholas Day, St. Cyril and Methodius, as well as St. Emperor Constantine and Empress Jelena.


With nature waking up and hinting at the end of winter, spring family celebrations awaken special feelings in us. Along with the glorification of baptism, Easter is the most joyous Christian holiday that is celebrated in spring in every Orthodox home. On Good Friday, the housewife paints eggs, and on Easter itself, she decorates her home and prepares a festive festive table.

Ideas for Easter

For good housewives, Easter ideas and egg painting are never out of place. We suggest that you try natural colors this year. Depending on the color, you can use turmeric, red cabbage, red or onion, beetroot, marigold, allspice, nettle, carrot or blueberry to dye the eggs. A cup of vegetables or fruit, or 2-3 tablespoons of spices goes to a cup of water. After half an hour of cooking, the water is strained, cooled, a spoonful of vinegar is added, the already boiled eggs are dropped into it and left together in the fridge until the eggs get the desired shade.


If you want to decorate them with a pattern, you must do so before painting. Eggs are best painted with melted wax. A pen for writing, or something similar to it, is first heated over a candle flame, then dipped into the wax while it is hot, and then a pattern is written on the egg with the wax. It is important that you dedicate your time and your thoughts to this act, that your hands give birth to original and unique small works of art, just like this Easter egg with which you can decorate your home.


Use our ideas for Easter when choosing an original stand for the keeper's house - an Easter egg that is kept from Easter to Easter.
 

Selling icons over the Internet

For young families and young hosts, as well as for those who want to make their friends happy with a good gift, everything for baptism can be found online today. Whether you need an icon, a candlestick, a censer or a lamp, the price of these products varies from extra affordable to luxurious, and thus suits everyone's pocket, and this time we present you unique and luxurious, handmade icons and other religious items intended for family celebrations.

A metal censer made with gilding and silver patina is an original handwork and can be a wonderful gift for someone who is just starting to celebrate; as well as a box for incense, briquettes and wicks, made of wood and brass, and decorated with icons. For the celebration of baptism, a candle is indispensable, which is lit next to the icon of the saint on the eve of the celebration.

Our offer also includes the sale of icons over the Internet. What makes our unique Serbian icons even more special is that they are made using a combined technique modeled on medieval icons and bound with filigree processed metal. The metal on the icons is refined with gilding and silver, and decorated with zircons, and they can be a special and very luxurious gift with a unique lamp. The price of these two items de facto shows that you have a taste for real gifts that leave a good impression.