Serbian Slava celebrations in November

According to church councils, families chose which saints they would take for their baptismal glory. Those that are celebrated during autumn, winter and spring, when there is less work in the field, were chosen, since the Serbs were engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Some families would choose the day when they would be baptized and then they would take the saint celebrated on that day as their baptismal glory. No celebration can pass without an icon, a rich table, a celebratory cake, grain, wine and a celebratory candle. The best gifts from Serbia are related to Serbian customs and beliefs. The festive season is about to begin, and we have singled out some Serbian holidays that are celebrated in November.

November 8 - Mitrovdan

Saint Demetrius was the Duke of Thessalonica, whose presence was most felt during the great tribulation. He is the protector of the city, and anyone who would invoke their name, he helped in times of need. This day in Serbian history is famous for the fact that the hajduk then met, spent the winter and later met again on St. George's Day the following year. On the eve of Mitrovdan, it is a custom among the people that everyone should stay at home on that day, so as not to "stay overnight in other people's houses" for the whole year. There is a belief that all major works, especially major works in the field, must be completed by that day. Also, you should not scold small children on Mitrovdan, because they will be naughty throughout the year. When visiting guests, it is customary to present the best gifts from Serbia, such as wine, local specialties and brandy, to the hosts.

November 14 - Saints Cosmas and Damian

Saints Cosmas and Damian are popularly known as Saints Vračevi or Vrači. They come from Asia, were brought up in the spirit of Christianity and learned medical skills at a young age. They treated people for free, and they were declared penniless, because they did not take any compensation for the treatment. Vrače is celebrated by many Serbian clans and guilds, especially doctors. That day is celebrated as a good day for recovery from illness. Everyone who cares about their health and the health of their loved ones, send a prayer to the holy doctors. There is also a belief that it is good to do heavy physical work on that day. A gift for fame does not have to be expensive, it can be something small like a small ceramic censer or an incense box, and precisely because of its authenticity, these are the best gifts from Serbia.

November 16 - Djurdjic

This day marks the transfer of the relics of St. George from Nicomedia to Lida Palestine. On icons, St. George is most often depicted on a horse, in a ducal suit, slaying a dragon. On the icons for the Đurđić holiday, he is represented as a "pawn": without a horse, in a standing position and with a spear or a sword in his hand. The most beautiful gift for the Đurđić celebration, which you can take to your hosts, is a metal colored icon with the image of St. George, which you can order on line.

November 21 - Archangel's Day

Saint Michael the Archangel always appeared in the same places as the Virgin Mary, so he represents heavenly power and protection on earth. He is considered the guardian of the Orthodox faith and a fighter against heresy. On Arandjelov's Day, it would be good to spread good thoughts, and by no means should you push the weak and poor away from you, but give them food and drink and send them a warm word. A real gift for the celebration of St. Michael's Day is the icon of St. Michael.

November 24 – Mratindan

The period between Đurđice and Mratindan is called mratinci or wolf days, because St. Mrata is the patron saint of wolves. According to old customs, nothing is given out of the house during the time of Mratina, wool is not spun and nothing is washed. It is a day when tailors rest and women do not do needlework. This week also gives the weather forecast for winter, so it is believed that if the days are foggy, the winter will be changeable, and if it is clear, the winter will be harsh and with a lot of frost. At the end of November, according to the church calendar, three more Serbian feast days are celebrated. Saint John the Merciful is on November 25, Saint John Chrysostom is on November 26, and Saint Matthew is on November 29.