Easter Monday in Serbia

Easter Monday, known as "Vaskrsni ponedeljak" in Serbian, is a significant religious holiday observed by the Serbian Orthodox Church and the faithful following the Julian calendar. It falls on the day after Easter Sunday, marking the second day of Eastertide.

History and Traditions:

• Religious Significance: The day commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, an event at the heart of Christian faith.
• Slavic Influence: Serbian Easter traditions are often intertwined with Slavic customs, reflecting a blend of Christian and pre-Christian beliefs.

What People Do:

• Church Services: Many Serbians attend church services to celebrate the continuation of Easter festivities. It is common for these services to be less crowded than those on Easter Sunday.
• Family Gatherings: Families often gather for a festive meal. Leftover food from Easter Sunday, including colored eggs (particularly red ones symbolizing Christ's blood), may be shared.
• Egg Tapping: A popular game played on this day is "tucanje," where individuals tap their eggs against each other's to see whose egg will crack last, symbolizing good luck and health.
• Visiting Loved Ones: It's also customary to visit relatives and friends who were not seen on Easter Sunday.
• Rest and Leisure: As a public holiday in Serbia, many people enjoy a day off work to relax or engage in leisure activities.

Easter Monday in Serbia remains an extension of Easter celebrations with cultural nuances that reflect both religious reverence and local customs.