Today is Đurđic, one of the most common patron-saint days among Serbian families. According to Christian teaching, Saint George is the first among the holy warriors with a shield and a cross-shaped sword.
Saint George was executed in the year 303 because, as a soldier of Christ, he refused to obey Emperor Diocletian, the great persecutor of Christians, declaring that he was not afraid to die for his faith.
The saint is highly revered among our people. He is celebrated twice a year — on November 16 according to the new calendar, as Đurđic, the holiday of the transfer of the saint’s relics to Palestine and their placement in the magnificent temple dedicated to him, and on May 6 as Đurđevdan, the day of the death of Saint George, the great martyr and defender of Christianity.
Đurđic is the patron-saint day or auxiliary feast of many Orthodox Serbian towns and families.
It marks the beginning of the Wolf Days or Mratinci, the days leading up to Mratindan, November 24.
According to customary tradition, nothing is taken out of the house during this period, women do not do needlework, and shoemakers and tailors rest. One does not go hunting wolves.
If the Mratinci days are foggy, the winter will be changeable; if they are clear, the winter will be harsh.
According to folk belief, winter arrives with Đurđic and departs with Đurđevdan.
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