Uskršnji običaji u župi Staro Petrovo Selo
Easter Rituals in the Parish of Staro Petrovo Selo

Summary/Abstract: The author describes rituals linked to Easter and Lent (the period of fast and of lessened social activity) in several villages encompassed by the Slavonian parish of Staro Petrovo Selo. The tradition described pertains to the period between two world wars. Easter was traditionally given the same importance as Christmas and was surrounded by manifold folk customs. For example, branches blessed in the church on Palm Sunday were kept at home and used for healing, blessing the bread baked for Easter, etc. The Holy Week, especially the Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, were the most important preparatory days for Easter. All work on the soil was interrupted, bells did not ring, Friday was the most stringent fast day, food to be eaten on Easter was prepared and brought to blessing, eggs were painted, the home hearth was renewed. Easter was celebrated for two days, and the third day people were already going to work.

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