The Importance of Slava
The celebration of Slava, a family’s patron saint day, is a uniquely Serbian custom. It is a tradition that dates back to the Byzantine era (9th century) when missionaries began converting Serbs to Christianity. The conversion of a family, or entire tribe, usually took place on a feast day dedicated to a Christian saint or martyr. So when a Serbian family celebrates Slava, they mark the day when their ancestors first received Christ and venerate the patron saint who is their family’s protector and spiritual guide.
Slava is celebrated annually by each successive generation of a family, along the male line. The most commonly celebrated patron saints are: St. John the Baptist (Jan. 20), St. George (May 6), St. Michael the Archangel (Nov. 21), and St. Nicholas (Dec. 19). Serbs regard their Slava as a sacred and festive day, the biggest holiday after Christmas and Easter. It is a day of feasting with family and friends. More important, it is a day of spiritual revival, Christian charity and fellowship. It is an expression of gratitude to God and His Saints for our earthly blessings.
Four elements are key to the celebration of Slava:
An icon of the family’s patron saint, traditionally mounted on an east-facing wall. A vigil lamp hangs in front of the icon, which will be lit on all major feast days.
A Slava candle, which remains lit for the entire day. It serves as a memorial to deceased family members and a reminder that Christ is the “Light of the World.”
A dish of wheat pudding (Slavski zito or koljivo). This is a mixture of cooked wheat berries that are ground with walnuts, sugar, and vanilla. It is then mounded onto a plate and decorated with raisins and/or nuts that are arranged in the shape of a cross. Slavski zito is prepared in remembrance of one’s ancestors. It symbolizes life and death, and faith in the resurrection.
Slava bread (Slavski kolach). This yeast bread, baked in a high round pan, is prepared according to family and regional recipes. It can be a sweet bread or a simple prosphora dough, infused with holy water. The decorations should include a cross, placed atop at the centre of the loaf, and typically a braid around the edge. For more ornate decorations, other dough figures with religious symbolism can be included (e.g. grapes, doves, flowers, wheat sheaves).
In 2014, UNESCO recognized the importance of Slava as a cultural tradition and inscribed it on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. For centuries, Serbs have honoured and guarded the practice of celebrating Slava, even during periods of political and historical upheaval. In this, we are reminded of the truth of the Serbian saying: Gde je Serbin, tu je Slava. Wherever there is a Serb, there is Slava.