Slava (tradition)
| Slava Слава | |
|---|---|
Slava prepared for the veneration of Saints | |
| Observed by | Serbian Orthodox Christians |
| Significance | Veneration of the family's patron saint |
| Observances | Church services, family and other social gatherings |
| Slava, celebration of family saint patron's day | |
|---|---|
| Country | Serbia |
| Reference | 01010 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2014 (9th session) |
| List | Representative |
| Part of a series on |
| Serbs |
|---|
Slava (Serbian: Слава, lit. 'Celebration', pronounced [ˈslâʋa]) is a family's annual ceremony and veneration of their patron saint. The ceremony is found mainly among Orthodox Serbs.
Although its origin is unknown, this old tradition is an important ethnic marker of Serbian identity. It is a tribute to the family's first ancestor, who was baptized into Christianity, with its presiding saint. Slava is passed down exclusively through male lineage and it symbolizes family identity, unity, and faith.
In 2014, Slava was inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of Serbia. In general, the observance of Slava remains one of the most enduring and cherished traditions among Serbs worldwide.