What are some lesser-known cultural customs or traditions in the Balkans that are unique to specific regions?
Posted by CryoChamber90@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 19 comments
I'm interested in exploring the rich tapestry of cultural customs and traditions found throughout the Balkan Peninsula. While many people are familiar with well-known practices like the Kolo dance in Serbia or the Slava celebration in some Orthodox communities, I'm curious about the more obscure or lesser-known customs that might be unique to specific regions or communities within the Balkans.
For instance, are there any local rituals, folk practices, or unique celebrations that are not widely recognized outside of their immediate areas?
How do these customs reflect the history or identity of specific communities?
I believe these insights could provide a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural landscape in the Balkans.
Th3Dark0ccult@reddit
As far as I know only bulgarians and romanians celebrate in March by giving each other martenitsa (don't know what they call them). The difference is that in Bulgaria everybpdy can give each other martenitsa, while in Romania only the women can be given martenitsa.
Chemical-Course1454@reddit
Check Vachs in Eastern Serbia, they are maybe the only people in Europe that still have fully developed authentic ancient pagan religion. You would have unique customs galore there
outlanderfhf@reddit
Are u sure thats the right link
Chemical-Course1454@reddit
Ok, thank you. Try this one. You have Vlachs in Romania, do they have same reputation
ConsciousPoet254@reddit
Martisor
Ok_Candidate_2338@reddit
Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina used to tatoo themself.
FordFreeState@reddit
Sicanje. I know that we Croats did it (specifically ones in BiH and Dalmatia), and also Vlachs and Albanians. I presume it is a paleo Balkan/Illyrian practice
TastyRancidLemons@reddit
Is this really not well known? Yuri Boyka had a tattoo like this on his left shoulder.
wantmywings@reddit
We did this as Catholic Albanians in protest of the Ottomans
GloomyLaw9603@reddit
In the Dalmatian town of Šibenik we don't marry in the month of May.
FilipposTrains@reddit
The Slaying of the Bull, a very ancient custom, that originates possibly in pre-Hellenic times, still practiced in some villages of the Northeast Aegean, on the islands of Lesvos, Lemnos and Imbros [Gökçeada]. It involves slaying bulls publicly on village squares during Orthodox religious celebrations, and using their blood as talismans and their meat to feed the audience.
Only a few years ago this custom was much more predominant, practiced even in parts of Attica [which curiously were Arvanite], with calves replacing the bulls and a smaller symbolic character placed on the act of the slaying.
This_Lion5856@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kukeri
North-Library4037@reddit
Ribnovo bridal traditions
greekgirl002@reddit
I guess the custom of setting up the bed on the Thursday before the wedding can be it. The relatives and friends gather ,young women make the bed for the new couple, then the families throw money on it for prosperity and a kid/baby so that the couple will have kids!
spallettioutista@reddit
In southern Italy it was customary for the bride's family to give the wedding sheets, mattress and blankets to make the bed. It was called "the dowry"
shadowdance55@reddit
Sicanje - basically magical tattoos.
Refugee_InThisWorld@reddit
Summer day in central Albania.
No-Championship-4632@reddit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anastenaria
WestConversation5506@reddit
Putting a potato sack over a woman then picking her up and running away with your bride.