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Photo: Printscreen / Kurir TV
Tomorrow, the Serbian Orthodox Church and the faithful will mark the day of the Holy Great Martyr Dimitrije.
The holiday is better known to people like Mitrovdan, and it ranks fifth on the list of the biggest Serbian celebrations according to the number of those who celebrate it.
Mitrovdan is a fixed or permanent holiday, which means that it is always on the same date (November according to the new calendar or October 26 according to the old calendar) and is marked on the church calendar with a red letter.
Numerous temples were dedicated to Saint Demetrius in medieval Serbia, including the church at the Pec Patriarchate and the chapel at the Visoki Decani monastery.
In the Serbian village, Mitrovdan is one of the biggest celebrations, the first name of some guilds, but also the day of keeping the vote in many places.
Popular beliefs say that on Mitrovdan’s Eve and St. George’s Day, everyone should be at home, because whoever is not at home at that time will spend the night at other people’s homes throughout the year. This is also considered the most important custom of Mitrovdan.
It is also customary among our people to release servants whose contracts have expired in Mitrovdan and to hire new ones.
It is also believed somewhere that Mitrovdan must complete all the important work in the field and other things that are done abroad. It is believed that after Mitrovdan, winter can surprise by the hour, which is why the opinion has been established that it is bad luck if you leave a job after a big vacation.
This day is also known for the fact that the hajduks parted at that time to overwinter in the hideouts and meet again next year on St George’s Day. This is how the motto was created: Mitrovdanak – farewell of the hajduk and Đurđevdanak – meeting of the hajduk.
If by chance it snows on November 8, it is said that Saint Demetrius arrived on a white horse, and it is believed that the snow cover will last until April.
If it is cloudy, a warm winter awaits us, and if it is clear, according to popular belief, the coming winter is harsh.
In Serbia, there is also a belief that young children should not be scolded in Mitrovdan, no matter how wrong or rude, because they are supposed to be naughty all year long.
The Šumadija villagers have been placing targets in every corner of the room in Mitrovdan for a long time to protect them from mice.
Women do not touch the spindle, combs, and scissors on this day.
Commander Dimitrije did not replace the emperor either
The holiday is dedicated to the former commander of Thessaloniki, who was assassinated due to the spread of Christianity.
Saint Demetrius was born in Thessalonica in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Emperor Maximilian. He was a son of noble and pious parents who could not have children for a long time.
He ignored the emperor’s order to persecute Christians and publicly preached Christianity. When the emperor learned that the commander of Thessalonica was a Christian, he ordered Dimitrije to be imprisoned, where he was later tortured and executed.
The Thessalonian Christians buried him in secret. Later a church was built on the site of his grave, and Dimitrije was proclaimed protector of the city of Thessaloniki. According to legend, Dimitrije’s tomb exuded basil and myrrh, which is why it was eventually called Mirotočivi.
Even today, the healing properties of his relics are believed.
The writings of the Church affirm that Saint Demetrius in many situations watched over his city and saved it from earthquakes and other disasters.
(Kurir.rs/Photo: Printscreen Kurir TV)
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