slava

Definition

The custom of honoring a family patron saint, celebrated chiefly by the Serbs, but also by some Macedonians, Montenegrins, Bulgarians and Gorani.

Etymology

From South Slavic slava / слава (slava), literally "fame, honour". The word is also used in some Slavic languages to wish blessings to another person.

Example Sentences

• "1942: I was also enchanted at the opportunity of seeing a Slava (the word means ‘Holy’), which is the distinctive social custom of the Serbs. — Rebecca West, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (Canongate 2006, p. 753)"