With spring time come many wonderful things: the sun, the flowers, the warm breezes, and, of course – Easter! Though Easter confuses the majority of people with its flexible date, it evokes special emotions with festive gatherings, feasts, religious practices and traditions. Serbian people have their own way of celebrating Easter, and in this blog post, we will talk about some useful Easter phrases in Serbian, as well as some interesting traditions.
Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Fasting and Serbian Easter Festivities
There are many activities connected to Easter that Serbian people love to do. First and foremost, we must explain how Serbians refer Good Friday, Holy Saturday and fasting as. Here is a table to help you navigate the vocabulary:
English Name | Serbian Name |
Good Friday | Veliki petak |
Holy Saturday | Velika subota |
Fast | Post |
Easter | Uskrs |
Good Friday - Painting Eggs
On Good Friday, the majority of people from Serbia are fasting. For Good Friday, or Veliki petak, Serbians paint eggs. The first egg to be painted must be red.
The red egg, better known as čuvarkuća (eng: house protector), is supposed to keep the family living in the house safe, healthy, and in good spirits. It is supposed to be preserved until the next year’s Good Friday. Nowadays, you don’t have to stick with onion skins or plain, matte colors – there are other options, like wax, tissues, stickers, shine and sparkles, etc
Holy Saturday - Fasting
Believers go to a midnight liturgy on the night between Holy Saturday – Velika subota, and Easter – Uskrs. During the ceremony, people light candles and take holy water. Furthermore, some light Easter fireworks, and even light a fire in front of churches – especially in smaller towns all over the country.
Easter
Easter is the day when Serbian people get it on! There is a lot going on, but one of the most important things are the following:
1. Tucanje jajima! – Egg Fight!
Both children and adults partake in egg fights – everyone picks one of the colored eggs, and they hit one another with the pointy end. Whosever egg doesn’t crack, they win! People in Serbia take this egg fight – tucanje jajima – very seriously, so you better prepare!
2. Uskršnji ručak – Easter lunch
Easter is the first day people break their Easter fast, and they make the most delicious dishes, side dishes, and treats known to Serbian cuisine. Traditionally, they love to eat lamb and pork meat, salad Olivier (ruska salata), homemade soup, cakes and cookies made of walnuts, chocolate, strawberries, and most importantly, eggs! Colorful eggs everywhere!
Not only do they love to eat well, but Serbian people love gatherings, family celebrations, sharing with friends, and appreciating togetherness.
How to Say ‘Happy Easter’ in Serbian and Other Phrases
English Phrase | Serbian Phrase |
Happy Easter! | Srećan Uskrs! |
Jesus is born! | Hristos Voskrese! |
Indeed he is born! | Vaistinu Voskrese! |
Here is how that would look in a dialogue:
A: Hristos Voskrese!
B: Vaistinu Voskrese, srećan Usrks!
A: Srećan Usrks!
After Easter, I Will
Who says New Year’s Eve is for making resolutions?! We challenge you to make some before, during, or after Easter celebrations, because, who can stop you, right?! If you are interested to learn more about Serbian traditions and phrases, we invite you to check out our blog, read some of our material, or join our lessons!
We are waiting for you! Check us out today!
