The Advent

After St. Philip’s Day (November 14) the Advent begins. The fast is a restriction that men observe with religious and moral reasons. In general, during fast, meat, dairy products and eggs are prohibited. The Advent, as well as the other fasts, begins with the so-called zagovezni – the last day prior to Christmas when meat dishes are allowed. After the dinner the housewife should wash and hide the wooden spoon used for serving the dish and should not use it again for 40 days – until Christmas. The first three days of the Lent are known as trimerene – absolute fast. The last day of the Advent is the Christmas Eve, when the tradition says odd number of lent dishes should be prepared. During the fasting period fish is allowed on the day of St. Nicholas only.