Easter in Serbia

This is the most important Christian holiday. Easter day around the world usually means celebration around the rich table with the loved ones.

Easter day, representing the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, is the most important holiday for Christians all around the world who cherish their own customs, beliefs and habits that are passed on from generation to generation. The Orthodox Christian date for Easter Sunday often occurs at a later date than the Easter date observed by many western churches. Orthodox Easter preparations begin with 40 days of strict fasting prior to Easter Day.

               

People are engaged in painting, decorating and coloring Easter eggs. This usually happens on Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Easter eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter. The egg is seen as a symbol of resurrection: while being dormant it contains a new life sealed within it.Easter egg is hard-boiled and dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and the first painted egg is kept until the next Easter, as guardian of the house. 
In the morning, on Easter Sunday, believers go to the church to participate in the Easter service after which the holiday is traditionally celebrated with the family around the festive table. All people, no matter if they are believers or not greet each other that day saying: "Hristos Vaskrse" (Christ is risen) and "Vaistinu Vaskrse"(Truly He is risen). There is no particular Easter dish in Serbia, but it is customary to prepare a lamb and pastry dough in different forms.

In addition to the various celebrations before Easter Sunday, the culmination of activities is the egg tapping game. The owner of the last undamaged egg is considered lucky.

Easter is time to get together with friends, family and loved ones and celebrate this joyful time.

Happy Easter!