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

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v t e

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, through the male lineage, who was baptized into Christianity, with its presiding saint. The family celebrates the Slava annually on the saint's day. In 2014, it was inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists of Serbia.

Slavski kolač, also known simply as kolač, is a ritual bread often prepared during the celebration of the Slava.