Today, the Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful celebrate Detinjci, one of the most beautiful family holidays preceding Christmas.
For Orthodox believers, Detinjci is a holiday that is always celebrated three weeks before Christmas.
A week after this holiday, Materice falls, and the last Sunday before Christmas, Oci is celebrated.
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All three holidays are Christmas holidays that contribute to a better understanding, respect, and appreciation between children and parents.
Detinjci is one of the most interesting family holidays among Orthodox Christians. Customs dictate that adults, early in the morning or upon returning from church, tie up their own or other people’s children.
A belt, rope, cord, or a simple thick thread is usually used for tying. Usually, the legs or arms are tied, and then one part of the rope is tied to a chair or stool. On these days, a more festive lunch is prepared than usual, but fasting is mandatory as it is the time of the Christmas fast. The whole family gathers around the table and spends the whole day together during all these holidays.
Tying for Detinjci, Materice, and Oci has multiple symbolism. It symbolizes strong family ties, harmony, peace, respect, and mutual help in all circumstances, and also directs household members towards thrift and perseverance in virtues.
Also, the customs for these holidays symbolically represent the preparation for the celebration of the most joyful holiday that reconciled man with God, freeing him from the bonds of sin and binding him with a new bond of love for God. In order for parents or adults to untie them, children must “pay a ransom”.
The youngest should prepare small gifts in advance, such as fruit and sweets, to “buy themselves out” on the holiday.
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Source: Ucentar, Photo: SPC