What is Slava?

Serbian Slava: A Celebration of Faith, Family and Tradition

Slava, or "Krsna Slava," is a cherished tradition unique to Serbian Orthodox Christians. It is a family feast dedicated to the household’s patron saint, chosen generations ago when the family embraced Christianity. More than just a religious custom, Slava is a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of Serbian identity, symbolizing faith, gratitude, and familial unity.

Spiritual Significance

At its core, Slava is an act of thanksgiving to God and a reaffirmation of the family’s Christian faith. It honors the patron saint as the family’s intercessor and protector, commemorating the moment the family was baptized into the faith. Each year, on the feast day of their saint, Serbian families come together to celebrate this enduring bond with God, the Church, and one another.

Slava also serves as a spiritual reminder of continuity and resurrection, connecting the living with their ancestors. This connection is symbolized through specific rituals, prayers, and the sharing of sacred food such as the bread ("Slavski Kolač") and boiled wheat ("Žito").

Rituals and Practices

Slava begins with the Divine Liturgy at the church, where the family brings their Slavski Kolač (bread) and Žito (boiled wheat) for blessing. These symbolic offerings represent Christ as the bread of life and the hope of resurrection. If attending church is not possible, the priest may bless the bread and wheat later at the family's home.

The home celebration of Slava is centered on hospitality, reflecting gratitude to God for life and blessings. The head of the household lights a Slava candle, representing Christ as the light of the world, and leads prayers before the icon of the family’s patron saint. This sacred moment connects the family to their faith and their ancestors.

When guests arrive, they first partake of a piece of the Slavski Kolač and a spoonful of Žito, symbolizing unity in faith and remembrance of loved ones who have passed. This ritual underscores the importance of welcoming all who enter the home.

The hosts have a special role, embodying the spirit of service and generosity. Traditionally, they do not sit throughout the celebration, attending to guests and ensuring everyone feels welcomed and cared for. Meals are abundant and prepared according to whether the feast falls during a fasting period, with fasting dishes omitting meat, dairy, and other restricted ingredients.

Slava is not a fleeting event; it extends from the conclusion of the Liturgy until midnight. It is a day of prayer, fellowship, and festivity, where bonds are strengthened and blessings are shared. Once someone has been invited to a family’s Slava, they are considered a lifelong guest, reflecting the enduring nature of this tradition.

This celebration is a living expression of faith, community, and the values of gratitude and service, integral to Serbian Orthodox Christianity.

Cultural and Historical Importance

Slava is more than a religious observance; it is a celebration of Serbian heritage. It has endured through centuries of political and cultural challenges, serving as a steadfast symbol of faith and identity. In 2014, UNESCO recognized Slava as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its universal values of family, gratitude, and hospitality.

Conclusion

For Serbian Orthodox Christians, Slava is a living expression of faith, family, and tradition. It unites generations in prayer and thanksgiving, reflecting a shared commitment to God and one another. By honoring their patron saint, Serbian families preserve a legacy of love, unity, and spiritual continuity that endures through the ages.