St. George’s Day (Djurdjevdan)

St. George’s Day (Djurdjevdan)  in Sumadija

          St. George's Day , which is celebrated on May 6, is one of the biggest feast of the Serbs. The tradition of celebrating St. George's Day  is rooted in the consciousness of the Serbian people .

This day marks the numerous rituals , whose roots originate from pre-Christian era . According to popular belief, St. George’s Day  represents the transition from  winter and welcoming spring . Since the nature of that day transformed , according to the custom of the venue of reveille, and people spend the night in the foothills or mountains . It is believed that is not good to sleep in the open air before this holiday . In the past, the robbers were in the woods just met from St. George . Because  is the feast dedicated to the birth and flourishing of nature , and the welfare of the people , therefore the once and now St. George's very common  with herders , with many customs and rituals . Among Vlach people St. George ‘s  Day is known as Herbal Friday.

           Throughout Sumadija  St. George's Day  is celebrated, with many customs that are made , both for the holiday and ahead of him . And this versatile herb plays an important role , especially flowers that symbolizes prosperity and health. According to belief , the day before St. George's youth are leaving the forests around the river where they collect helleborus , fiddle , hornbeam, geranium and other plants , which will be decorated with their house. Since these plants are weaving the wreaths that adorn the gates or doors of the houses , and according to the custom of these wreaths symbolizing progress does not removed until next year . It is represented by the custom of decorating the gate willow and other flowers , because the very willow symbolizes prosperity and fertility . Therefore, it is used by herders , there used to be when guarding the St. George’s Day necessarily carries crude rod such as willow , because it was believed that then , and cattle will become  thicker and more progressive  and will not be dry and thin. According to custom , each goat , sheep or cow should  be milked at least a little on this day , so that during the year could give plenty of milk . In some areas, there was  a custom that housewives  choose two young port in the garden , which would align the tops of a pair of scissors on the eve of St. George . One of them was a chance , a second accident. The next day, housewives must compare which of them is more grown , and according to belief, depending on which is more onion grown more, household will follow more fortune or misfortune during the year.

           For St. George 's used to all household members know how the water in which the submerged  flowers , helleborus  symbolizing prosperity , lily , milkweed and the health of its geranium .

It is recommended to everyone in household to lave with the water which is prepared the night before the holiday, because of what they will be healthy as a cornel tree , to take off  all crusts from themselves  that have been exposed since the beginning of the year .  The landlord of the house shall wash face with water, which will enable  healthy and well kept  for his household. Youth often practiced and to bathe in the water , and often to swim and the river , which was believed to be doing right by St. George .

         For  St. George’s day , in some areas of Sumadija there are many humorous traditions , such as the custom of removing the gates from  houses where there are young and unmarried girls the night before St. George  . The symbolism is clear, and it is primarily a message addressed to their elderly relatives , in order to better keep an eye on them . So in St. George’s  night circumvention occurs between those who embark on a campaign to other people's gates and those of others who are trying to protect them . It often happens that many yards dawned without their gates, regardless of the efforts and work of the household to save them during the night.  

Someone still be more skilled than them . It is believed that the girl who was taken off the gate of the year to get married . Of course this custom , which is still practiced , is more used to in a purpose of  making jokes even on this  day. About an incident when a group of outraged girls stripped gates guys from the same place specifically talk , talk about it spread rapidly and amused the locals of a small town near the Morava . And next year, come the new gates , new stories and experiences . The objective of customs is not to inflict damage to anyone , on the contrary,  aim is to bring a good mood , it seems , as all other rituals .

          When evening comes families gather  with their guests,  and celebrate St. George's with all the gifts that he has given in the past year. With a prayer for the health and well-being, and the desire to do so and continue in that, and in the years that will come.

The prank from Valjevo

The cheerful spirit of Valjevo prank

            Valjevo . Beautiful  town in western Serbia, located in the piedmont of the same name . Widely known for its history , the people who made ​​it famous and spread the it’s name in our country and beyond. Valjevo has a number of characteristics by which a recognized and considered by many to be the best recognized  in  the triangle that make science , culture and nature . In it’s nature beauty  Valjevo not lacking . Famous also by it’s  raspberries , and vineyards as  homemade brandy that is produced in this region . Valjevo are very proud of their language , which they believe is the most correct of all the earth , and much more to them in this regard in favor . However ,  their neighboring cities , for example, Cacak and Uzice are not agree with Valjevo citizens .  From the other side, Valjevo people   it seems it does not attach great significance . We could say that everything turns into a joke . And that is the essence of the story .

           

Valjevo are therefore known as a people cheerful spirit , prone to pranks , which are usually geared towards their neighbors , Sabac citizens and people of Uzice . One of them has become almost legendary , which is why it was created and now famous " Valjevo prank ." What is it all about? At least as the story says they were passing through Valjevo wedding guests from Sabac with the groom , who went for the bride in Uzice. The overnight stay  was built in Valjevo , where their hosts decided to make some joke with them and managed to get drunk with their quality brandy . People from  Sabac continued its journey towards Uzice and Valjevo people stayed to cure a hangover , but then thay figured out how to prank to the  neighbors . After returning from Uzice of Sabac decide to spend the night again in Valjevo . Valjevo people has  just decided to make the wedding reception . Everything was as with their neighbors , except that a  young boy was masked , dressed in bride. It was created general joy lasted all night , with a good song and brandy . Confused the wedding guests , including shenanigans make Valjevo and Sabac citizens send their young - a young man disguised as a bride. What's even  more ,  they suggest to their guests that  bride and groom  should aside and that they  have spend the night together ! As the story goes , people from Sabac left Valjevo satisfied and happy .

            It is not known how much of this story is the truth, but certainly it is transformed into a legend. By  which Valjevo today  is recognized. Some believe that in this legend, as in similar stories of Valjevo deceit, lies and urban legends about the fame  of the guys from Valjevo and Uzice girls. Certainly it is best if you make it yourself. A Valjevo will no doubt impress you in many ways.

The bridge of love

The bridge of love – White bridge in Vranje

           It is known that the bridges have a noble role to connect people . According to an ancient legend that exists in Islam Melek ( Angel ) has its wings merged the two banks that have done good things for people , and they also began to appear and bridges . Times have changed and passed , but a bridge has remained the same. There are those who would be able to speak , much to tell us about bygone times and events . One of them is the white bridge , one of the symbols of Vranje , but believed to be more than that .

Small and beautiful bridge , a noble purpose , which today connects people , was due to the fact that the two of them separated , according to legend . And because of the legend this bridge is known as the " bridge of love " .

          Vranje is the city which is described and sung in Serbian literature  more than any of our cities. And not only for their beauty, but also because of the special atmosphere at this area, which gives it exceptional vibrancy . It is a blend of immense sadness and happiness , unbridled joy and the human drama and tragedy , a women whose beauty never forgets and proud men , willing to give up everything for love . Vranje habitants  often like to recall their youth and to mourn for her, and also to remember some of the stories that marked life in their city . Many of them have been translated into some of the most famous works of Bora Stankovic, who wrote with  the special love about his hometown . Also , have sung some of the most beautiful love songs with themes that are living today, also popular as in the time when they appear. There is still a legend in Vranje , which is not found in any of a noted story in any of the famous song . The memory of it is a beautiful white bridge mentioned at the beginning of the article. This is the story of Turkish woman Ayse and Serbian shepherd Stojan .

Today, the traces of Ottoman rule can best be seen in the area of ​​Vranje, in many areas - lifestyle

architecture , language , customs , music, national costumes . Mixing between the two nations was undesirable, the Turks even punishable by law . This was known and Selim Bey , whose daughter at birth predicted to fall in love with a Serb . Turk did not even want to hear about it to his daughter to marry a man different levels and religion, so as his daughter Ayse  was growing up had kept her locked in the house. The fate known to be cruel and to play with people , so it was Ayse, as legend has it , met a shepherd Stojan , in which the love. Love was mutual, but stronger from it were customs . Ayse’s father got some rumors  that his daughter secretly meets with the pastor , so he as a man of reputation and honor decided to punish him as customs dictate. Because of the stained parts of Stojan  was sentence to death. When Selim Bey came across a couple in love drew his knife to kill Stojan . However , physically confronted, Ayse protected  the man she loved with her body. On her deathbed she swore to her father, that legacy advantage to her use to build a bridge on the that place . Stojan ended his life at the same place , killing himself with the same knife from which  suffered and his beloved Aisha . Selim Bey was built a bridge of white stone  dedicated to her daughter.

          There are no Ayse  and Stojan  today , also as  Selim Bey , they were left only a memory and a story that still lives in Vranje . Bridge still exists. There was a panel on it that spoke about his foundation, the text of the Turkish language , and today there are preserved . Today there is an inscription: " Cursed be the one who separate love . " Whether the story is true or not , Vranje habitants  believe that bridge of love i brings happiness  to people in love, and that also heals all love woes . There is a believed  that is need to cross the bridge twice . Remembering says that Ayse  and Stojan suffered in the fall , and people from Vranje  say the skies above the bridge has a special light in September. If you believe in love , or maybe you want to happen to you ,then bridge of love is right place to visit . You will certainly leave Vranje  full of impressions .

Vlach magic - The Queen’s kolo-dance

The Queen’s kolo-dance

 There is a widespread belief in magic and its power  in the Vlach world, and therefore there are many rituals .

Many of them have been preserved from ancient times , carried forward for generations , and the power of performing magical acts are inherited through the female line . In Vlach’s tradition  was very popular " cult of the dead " , as well as rituals dedicated to them . They are all very colorful , accompanied by ritual actions , and usually music. Most of the customs and rituals inherent to all Vlachs, with local differences in the way of performing rituals . The greatest importance is the feast of Pentecost,  holiday dedicated to holly Spirits,  which are related to a number of beliefs and ritual actions . One , however , a peculiar rite is only Vlachs of  Homolje mountains   , specifically related to village deep. It is known as the " Queens of Duboka " .

Today we can precisely determine when custom dates , or why exactly started with his accomplishment. There are many legends about how they created " Queen " . When the feast of Pentecost ads horn , a traditional instrument , it is an invitation for all to move towards a ceremonial place . One of the old folk custom was that on the feast of Pentecost eight girls dressed in white , decorated with  jewelry and fake diadems , go through the village from house to house . They were , as usual , led by an elderly woman and an elderly man and two of them at the hands would wear long knives . If the head of the house agreed that the " queen " play , they would have entered the yard and played around the household , primarily for health and happiness , and keeping off evil spirits . Therefore, this custom  is usually accepted as the most probable origin of the legend of Queens of Duboka.

There is an ancient legend that says that on the day of Pentecost two queens and their  entourage met in front of  cave in Duboka.

None of them wanted to get out of the way to the other , and they got into a fight , and both of his entourage at the site killed. For one of the two of them there was a great sorrow , and is on its annual mentioned a cousin fell into unconsciousness , from which he will later develop custom peculiar to queen of Duboka. The second , more dominant legend also says that they met two queens clash , but that is one of the two of them in the place fell mortally wounded . On his deathbed , it is believed by locals cursed all people of Duboka  to the same place every year on the day of Pentecost let the girl killed . To propitiate the queen , people of Duboka  every year at the feast of Pentecost give her memorial service , a central place in the ritual of shooting a woman - rusalja as otherwise popularly known .

By tradition and ancient  belief , the mention of one of the deceased queen , for whose death ruled chagrin , her cousin  lost consciousness and fell into a sort of trance . And next  year at the mention of the Queen one of the women fell into a trance and hypnosis , creating a connection  with the world of the dead. Later the custom was established , and more women on the day of Pentecost began to fall into a trance . Regardless of whether the ritual originated in one way or another , its tradition is very strong. At Pentecost , when the shepherd's horn sounded , it means  call for all people of Duboka  to proceed to the ritual place, the river , as the water is of great importance in the beliefs and rituals of Vlachs . Of special significance was the woman who has the power to communicate with the world of the dead - rusalja .

According to folk custom, the woman in whose power science has not been able to penetrate , the ritual dance would come to a place that is suitable for performing ritual actions , accompanied by the queen and kings. These are three girls and three boys who during her trance dance around it in a circle. During this time , while playing in the round , are holding lit candles , long knives , wormwood , daisies  and a wreath of garlic. In this way they protect rusalja of evil spirits , while usually beside her two older women . During this time the woman of unusual power falls into a kind of trance, in which loses any sense of external stimuli , and are believed to be in short it does not reside in this world . This would be her role is fulfilled, and that is to convey messages and respect for the souls of the dead , which would appease them and to ensure the health and progress of their loved ones . While rusalja is in a trance , with a ceremonial dance "krai" or " tudorka " as Vlachs call it, around it would be kolo –dance  in circle , according to tradition , three , five or nine seats . Music has  an important part of the whole ritual to rusalja fell into a trance , that led her to the nirvana,  as it is believed that she follows the sound through the subconscious  Karabaş ( bagpipe ) and Lautari ( violin ) , who will returned her  in present. Upon waking from a trance , rusalja would gradually returning to the conscious state , but gradually . First,  her queens and kings who have danced around her offered assistance to rise , followed by above her head crossed knives , garlic , daisies  and wormwood  with which they danced, and after that  wash her with water from the river , with the ceremonial turning and the magic words that would be recited .

Time to redeem herself rusalja and other protected from evil spirits . Upon completion of the ritual , rusalja make it through song and dance slowly returning from their lethargy in the world of the living.

This unusual and beautiful ritual is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Vlachs  from Homolje mountains,  primarily in the village of Duboka , where it originated , but also in the surrounding villages , Neresnica , Sevica , Radenka . The opinions are divided  that there has been this ritual occurred spontaneously or it was induced  for specific purposes . According to what the locals , and to the memories of the last time that rusalja falls spontaneously in trans occurred before World War II . They say it is very important  then to have people around her because she gets very strong attacks, followed by horrific screams , scratching, hair pulling , and similar events . They are there around , and hold it as much as possible the protection lasts until its ritual . In addition to establish a connection with the world of the dead , was recorded and memories that certain rusalja women  had the power to predict.

There is no any mention that until this happened ever again , but with practice, worship continued . I used to be preserved until the present day , however , today it is less rusalja women, than ever before .

Their ritual was turned into an interesting and appealing stage show , which runs for many visitors to the cultural and artistic events of  Homolje region , especially on " Homolje motives " which is held every August in Kucevo . The custom of queens  and rusalja and their ritual dances, the stage- an art form , has been turned into one of the best  and most beautiful choreographies  performed by the National Ensemble "Kolo " called “ Queens  of Duboka" .

Tisa’s Flower – where nature meets love

          Tisa Flower always fascinates people beauty of form and color , as well as the ritual of love dance. Blooming  is more than the feeling of a natural phenomenon that can only be experienced river Tisa in such intense shape . Unless  suitable hydrological and climatic conditions , and you are in right place at the Tisa

( 150.rkm ) , in mid-June you can enjoy the love play these wonderful creatures . Almost 18 hours the river kept his secret , and then begins one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in Vojvodina and world .There next hour above the surface of the river flying insects millions of yellow with gray wings , amazed fervor of love. Experience complements the sound of their silky wings and the sinking sun glare on the water mirror. Like be aware that, to this day, dusk brings the end of their lives , rushing to meet its obligation to maintain the species : create new generations.

In only a few hours , you can attend the essence of imagination of nature shaped into a gentle setting of this lovely creature . Sun covers  their concerns and their energy accumulated during the three years of living in the dark trough the river. Exhausted  beauty  creatures slowly turn their small bodies tell that created them : but the beauty of the evening remains forever in the memory of people who were lucky enough to attend this happening. Feeling  can be measured by the beauty of a rainbow or Niagara Falls , or the feeling of first love .

          Orange beaks of gulls voraciously , quickly and forcefully plunged in a quiet area Tisa leaving circular waves as the only witnesses. After a few waft the clouds , returning again and descend to the surface of wonderment Tisa’s. Totally awakened , unhappily get up wooden rocking boat trying to quick stand up. Too late! You are completely surrounded. You can’t see the sun. Hundreds and  thousand playful  winged horses fly  in front of  your eyes.  Palingenia longicauda ( Ephemeroptera ) in the form of larvae spends about three years in the clay mud of the river Tisa , forming colonies in miniature , making tunnels millimeters below the river bottom. Appearance  aquatic insects is individually synchronized coming in huge numbers , creating a sudden change in the height of summer dance spectacle over the river . Nobody knows  when in June the larvae begin to wake up and how long (depending on the outside temperature, water purity , moon phase , water velocity , water level , water temperature ), but we know where it will happened . Larvae leave the mud of the river Tisa in Kanjiza and parts of the Tisa in Hungary . Appearance of  larvae on the surface of the river birds for first , many larvae that managed to avoid the fish in river deep end in the beaks of hungry story before the sleeve openings and insect days .They fly  to see the light is always blue skies ( if the sky is overcast, gray are never out of the surface of the Tisza ), but rapidly approaching the coast , where the leaves of the trees , boats , pontoons , the country , the people who watch their game , again changing the jacket and quickly go in search for a female .When reach a sufficient number of insects in flight your ear can hear the symphony caused by blinking million silky wings. Incredible! Their bustle speaks to something else strange is going on , as if they knew that this day would never happen again , that will only live three hours. A few dances  on the surface of the Tisa River leads to rapid death blue wing males , responsible female released eggs are never in a place where she leave jacket ( water would have taken eggs downstream where perhaps at the bottom of the river there are no conditions for the creation of the colony of larvae ) it expresses determination to meet life cycle , continues to let a few kilometers upstream to drop 6000-7000 eggs above the water surface and only then died. While eggs slowly sink into the depths of the river Tisa water flow around them refers to the place where their several hours of life and parents waited in the mud for three years. According to  found fossil remains , aquatic insect Palingenia longicauda lives on earth about 350 million years. In  Europe day life can be seen only the Tisa River , from all other European rivers it disappeared.

          Kanjiza and its tourism organizations every year in June organized event dedicated to the natural phenomenon.  The event was called Blooming of the Tisa. Tisa ''color'' and “flower” in mid-June, a'' blooming'' which always happens at night is 15 days. Then on the surface of the Tisa at work with clay basin appear larvae males, from which in a few seconds hatched insects. A little later the larvae emerge and females, and then begins a massive "wedding flight", after which the males die soon. Tourists with a variety of boats, kayaks, canoes or from the shore follow the butterflies love the game, enjoy the beauty of form and color, when the surface of the water appears a multitude of yellow insects.

At the exit from Kanjiza to Horgos, there are located walking trails "Tisa flower", from which the event can be viewed. On the banks of the Tisa River are decorated Strand, playground and children's pool, sports courts for volleyball and foot tennis volleyball, picnic and camping "Tisa’s flower" and a wharf with tourist information point for nautical tourism on the river border crossing between Serbia and Hungary. And while enjoying the irresistible game lovers insects, you can relax in the other charms that will help the locals are proud to recommend. You can enjoy the spa and the content of that it offers, and also treat yourself to a memorable vacation in a developed rural tourism. Getting the tourist offer of villages of Kanjiža brings exceptional experience the rich diversity of the multicultural environment. You may be familiar with the Hungarian tradition Totovo Village, legacy of Velebit’s immigrants, the history of rural life in Mali pijac, taste the best homemade brandy and homemade cheeses from cow's and goat's milk, participate in the preparation gastronomic  specialties. If you want to discover the magic of the unique combination of Serbian and Hungarian culinary heritage can try delicacies in Kanjiski restaurants. If you long for an authentic taste of the old times you can visit the villages, where you will have the opportunity not only to taste the unique cuisine of Vojvodina in the north of Backa, but also to partake in their preparation. Kanjiza is located in the cultural flow between Seged - Subotica - Subotica, where for centuries to preserve and cherish Serbian and Hungarian cultural, historical and folkloric heritage. Also, lovers of art and culture are available, and other cultural institutions that transcend local character, and one of them is the Regional Creative Atelier.  Touristic organization of Kanjiza calls every a true lover of the beauty of nature to choose visit date and visit Kanjiza,  during the Blooming of Tisa River. Friendly people will welcome you, preserved nature , palette of pastel colors in the fields , water winged horses , sleeping , meandering Tisa full of  various fish , juice called pie cherries , Pannonian cuisine , pheasants and deer , mineral water. Friendly hosts tend to say if your search for the ideal life will be completed in Kanjiza .

          At the same time of year, mid-June, downstream Tisa, in Novi Becej held a similar event dedicated to the graceful insect. Her inspiration is love, and also its message to visitors. The event changes its name every year, because its name is usually represented by its motto of this year. In this way, the last few years it changed  the names as  "boat on the Tisa", "Tisa - River of Love". The last of them was “When Tisa flower ". For residents  of Novi Becej Tisa means more than anything. On a beautifully decorated bank of the Tisa, two days to gather fans of romance and rare natural phenomenon. They have several carriages which can trot sail along the coast and visit Novi Becej cultural and historical monuments. Dozens of boats were Novi Becej and their guests drove by Tisa from wanting to see it more closely, "Tisa blooming", a unique natural phenomenon in the Tisa River. The most romantic weekend in June with daily events on the river and ride on boats Tisa’s fishermen in the early evening reaches its peak.

Fantastic light fiery performance awaits those who attend the event then Tisa river of love. Besides the already traditional lowering of burning candles in Tisa, there were also fire jugglers who are coming from the other side Tisa. Drummer in boats sounds are amplified light-fire effects to the river. The most moment occurs  when  in the middle of the river ignite the heart of the fire, the scene lures visitors sighs. In the evening off the coast of Tisa thousands of people each year hold onto their "wish spark". Legend has it that only in the days of "blooming  Tisa" love desires fulfilled. So that the few thousand burning candles, which were launched by Tisa fulfillment of a wish, probably delight all those who were hoping they played down the river. As in Kanjiša, and in Novi Becej you would have the opportunity to enjoy the many natural beauties of the area as well as in cultural and historical monuments and museums. Residents of becej would certainly make your natural reserve Stro kopovo, and the remains of an old Benedictine basilica Araca, the old fortress town of Galad, or in a museum which is more in the city. What makes Novi Becej known in Vojvodina is certainly a quality fish soup. If you are visiting New Becej, do not miss to try the specialty, as well as premium wines or strudel for which this region is also famous.

          Senta is also a place which hosts event dedicated Tisa Flower. The program is similar to Kanjiza and Novi Becej, and Senta’s visitors  have opportunity, except that in the game of insects, to enjoy the beauty of this area. Senta’s  residents are particularly proud of the battle that took place near their town 1697, will be happy to talk about it or refer visitors to the monuments of her speeches. In addition to this, the city has a large number of other cultural and sacred sites and museums which are worth visiting. If you are more of a nature lover, then you can enjoy the parks, and one of them is particularly important and is called the National Garden.

          Special feature of this region give the people who live there. Valley of the Tisa River is, populated mostly by Hungarians, also with Serbs  in a significant number, and to a lesser percentage with Roma and other ethnic groups. Mixed environment has created a high degree of unity and colors in every respect. This region will provide you an unforgettable time in both the natural beauty of the area, as well as the colors of the Hungarian folk costumes, fiery melody of Chardas, sounds of the tamburica instrument  that will not leave you indifferent. With all this special supplement seems to enjoy the culinary delicacies and culinary arts, as the Hungarian and Serbian cuisine. The population of this region  rightly perceived  Tisa as special richness, because here nature all its magic turn into reality.