Mladenici – Serbian holiday on the day of the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste

On this day, Mladenici (Feast of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste) is celebrated, as the martyrs were young men, and the day is linked to an ancient custom of giving gifts to newlywed couples—those who married between the previous Mladenici and this one.

This day is dedicated to them also because of the crowns (wreaths) with which the martyrs were crowned (wedded) in Christ’s love. In church weddings, crowns are placed on the heads of the newlyweds, symbolizing three things: royal crowns—because every person is a ruler in their own home and personal world; martyr’s crowns—because marriage requires sacrifice; and crowns of eternal glory in Christ’s Kingdom. This signifies that spouses should remain faithful to each other, just as the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste remained faithful to Christ, and that no trial should overcome or break that faith and love.

On this day, newlyweds welcome guests into their home, who bring them gifts as a way of supporting them at the beginning of their married life. Young housewives greet the guests and demonstrate their skills and hospitality by preparing 40 special pastries, called “mladenčići.”

According to tradition, women rise early on this day to bake mladenčići for a long, happy, and sweet life, then offer them to all visitors who come throughout the day.

Visiting newlyweds and bringing them gifts is a modern custom but is now widely practiced. It is believed that everyone who attended the wedding should visit on Mladenici, but in practice, only close family and friends come as guests.

Mladenici always falls during Great Lent, so any celebration should be in accordance with Lenten customs.

Originally posted by UOJ-Serbia

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