Today is Petrovdan, one of the biggest holidays of the Serbian Orthodox Church, dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul, the first preachers of Christianity and closest disciples of Jesus Christ. Celebrated on July 12th according to the Gregorian calendar, this holiday carries a rich tradition and customs passed down through generations.
Peter, once a fisherman named Simeon, was the first to clearly express faith in Jesus as the Son of God. His power and miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, left a deep mark in Christian tradition. His struggle with his own weaknesses and temptations, including betraying Jesus and battling Satan, make his story even more fascinating.
Among Serbs, Petrovdan is known for customs like lighting bonfires (lilas) in town squares, making wreaths from wild aspen or birch, and children carrying these fires through villages. These fires symbolize the times when believers were persecuted and tortured, often burned alive on wooden stakes. Today, it is believed these bonfires bring health and prosperity to households.
In some parts of southern Banat, it is customary to distribute apples to the first neighbors and souls of the deceased in the morning, while in other regions apples are taken to church for blessing. Children with lit bonfires go from house to house, and hosts give them gifts. There is also a special apple cake called “petrovača.”
In the past, people would sprinkle their livestock with water on this day to keep them healthy, and shepherds would weave wreaths to place on the animals’ horns. Petrovdan also marks the end of the Peter’s fast, so it is customary to slaughter a goose to break the fast.
There are beliefs that one should wake up early, bathe in the rays of the rising sun, and wash with dew for good health throughout the year. Wreaths made of flowers are woven with wishes and kept in the house until the wish comes true. Lonely people are advised to place a bouquet of flowers under their pillow to find love.
Petrovdan is a day full of symbolism, customs, and traditions that still live in the hearts of Serbs today. From lighting bonfires to sharing apples, this holiday reminds us of the power of faith, community, and respect for ancestors. And if you think all this sounds a bit strange or old-fashioned, remember — tradition is what keeps us together, even when the world around us goes crazy.
And hey, if you’ve ever lit a bonfire or made a birch wreath, drop a comment and share your story — maybe you know some forgotten custom everyone should hear about!
