Orthodox New Year in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Date: Celebrated on January 14th according to the Julian calendar, which is equivalent to January 1st in the Gregorian calendar.

• History: The Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, is rooted in the Julian calendar that was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted by many countries for its improved accuracy regarding the solar year, some Orthodox Christian communities continued using the Julian calendar for their religious dates.

• Traditions:

  • Religious Observances: Many Serbian Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina attend church services on this day. The liturgy often includes traditional hymns and prayers specific to the New Year celebration.

  • Festive Meals: Families and friends gather for a festive meal, which often includes traditional foods such as roast pork, cesnica (a Christmas bread), and other customary dishes.

  • Kolo Dancing: Traditional folk dancing known as "kolo" may be performed during celebrations. It involves dancers holding each other's hands or waists while dancing in a circle to folk music.

  • Fireworks and Bonfires: In some places, people light fireworks or bonfires to mark the beginning of the New Year.

• What People Do:

  • Many spend time with family and friends, exchanging well-wishes for the year ahead.

  • Others attend cultural events or concerts that feature traditional music and dance.

  • Some people use this day as an opportunity to follow through with New Year's resolutions made according to the Gregorian calendar or make new ones.

Being a country with diverse religious communities, not all Bosnians celebrate the Orthodox New Year. However, for those of Serbian descent within Bosnia and Herzegovina who adhere to Orthodox Christianity, it remains an important traditional holiday.