Slava is one of the most important and famous Serbian holdiays. Each Serbian family has its own patron saint. Slava is celebrated on the saint's feast day, which is the day he was made a saint, his birthday, or the day he died. Family members, neighbors, and friends celebrate by eating, drinking, and other special rituals!
Serbians usually have a big feast on this day, meaning they prepare as much food as possible. The three most important things are the Slava's bread (slavski kolač), koljivo, and Slava's candle (slavska sveća).
Slava's bread or slavski kolač is a special bread that is blessed by a priest. The bread is usually decorated with shapes such as a cross, a book, or grapes.
Koljivo, sometimes called žito, is boiled wheat mixed with walnuts and honey or sugar. It will stand close to the house's entrance. When you arrive as a guest, you eat a teaspoon of koljivo before sitting down at the table.
Slava's candle (slavska sveča) is a long wax candle bought in a church that burns during the day. A picture of the family's saint will usually be placed next to the candle.
