ORTHODOX EASTER CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Easter is the greatest Christian holiday, marking the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is celebrated over three days and is considered a “movable feast,” meaning its date changes each year, but it always falls on a Sunday.

Easter symbolizes the victory of life over death and celebrates Christ’s resurrection. Throughout centuries of Christian tradition, numerous customs have developed and been preserved, believed to bring happiness, health, and prosperity to the entire family.

Among the Serbian people, Easter customs are second in importance only to Christmas traditions. However, unlike the many Christmas rituals still widely practiced, Easter customs are observed in a somewhat smaller number.

On the morning of Easter, bells ring from all Orthodox churches, announcing the arrival of the great holiday. Families attend the festive Easter liturgy together. After the service, people greet one another with the traditional words: “Christ is risen!” and the response, “Indeed, He is risen!” This greeting is used until Ascension Day.

Upon returning home, family members exchange the same greeting and share kisses. The head of the household lights a candle, takes incense, and censes all family members as they stand in prayer. The incense is then passed to a younger member, who censes the entire home while prayers are recited. If the Easter troparion is not sung, the Lord’s Prayer is read aloud.

After the prayer, the family gathers around a festively prepared table. At its center is a decorated bowl filled with colored eggs. Easter is preceded by a seven-week fast, making the first non-fasting food traditionally Easter eggs.

The head of the household takes the first egg, followed by the rest of the family. This is followed by a joyful competition known as “egg tapping,” one of the oldest Easter traditions. Participants tap eggs against each other, and the winner is the one whose egg remains uncracked. These competitions are often held in churchyards after the liturgy or in other communal spaces.

Guests visiting a home on Easter are first presented with a colored egg before being offered other food.

Easter is celebrated for three days. The first Monday after Easter is known as “Commemoration Monday.” On this day, according to tradition, people visit the graves of deceased relatives, decorate them with fresh green grass, light candles, and hold memorial services. Colored Easter eggs are also brought to the graves and later shared with the poor in remembrance of the departed.