Description
Patron Saint’s Day (Slava) is a traditional and religious custom, the most important family holiday among Serbian people after Christmas and Easter. Traditionally, this holiday is always associated with the day of a specific Christian saint whom the family celebrates as its patron. The celebration of the Patron Saint’s Day among Serbs dates back to the time of Saint Sava and is a unique custom of the Serbian people, deeply rooted in tradition and faith. Patron Saint’s Day is also a symbol of family unity and spiritual connection with ancestors that is maintained and passed down from generation to generation.
Since 2014, Slava has been on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Archangel Michael’s Day, the holiday of the Prince of Heaven, Saint Michael the Archangel, leader of the Powers of Heaven and protector of justice and faith, is one of the greatest Orthodox holidays and one of the most commonly celebrated Slavas in Serbia.
In Christian tradition, Archistrategos (Chief Commander) Michael is the first among the seven archangels, who gathered a heavenly army – an army of angels, to oppose the forces of evil of the fallen angel Lucifer (Satan). Therefore, in iconography, he is depicted with a sword or spear, in Roman armour, defeating a dragon.
This holiday was included in the calendar of the Church of Christ in the 4th century, and the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates it every year on November 21, according to the new calendar. It is believed among the people that the autumn and winter seasons belong to Saint Michael the Archangel.
Artistic realization: Marija Vlahović, Academic Graphic Artist
