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TOMORROW IS SPASOVDAN, A GREAT HOLIDAY AND RED LETTER DAY: Men do not shave, women do not comb their hair, and avoid this so lightning does not strike! It is believed that nothing should be tasted before this.
The Serbian Orthodox Church and believers tomorrow mark one of the greatest Christian holidays, the Ascension of the Lord, or Spasovdan, one of the 12 great holidays and eight holidays of Christ.
TL;DR
- Spasovdan commemorates Christ's ascension to heaven after his resurrection, symbolizing victory over death.
- Folk traditions associate Spasovdan with good fortune, ideal for new beginnings and making wishes by observing stars.
- Customs include avoiding specific chores (sewing, crocheting), not sleeping during the day, and abstaining from shaving or washing.
- Agricultural rituals like processions (litije) and planting crosses are performed for a good harvest.
- Food traditions involve tasting the first fruits of the season or specific items like wild strawberries or pigs' jaws.
- Beliefs include seeing vampires at dawn and the importance of not tasting new fruits without sharing with the poor.
- Spasovdan is the patron saint's day of Belgrade, marked by a historical procession.