Eastern Orthodox Christianity
The person whom we interviewed belongs to the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Bosnia, about 36% of the population is Orthodox. Various feasts and fasts throughout the year mark the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. The Orthodox Church recognizes twelve Great Feast Days. Eight of these feast days are events in the life of Christ while the other four are in the life of Virgin Mary.
The most important Orthodox holiday is Easter. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. It is for this reason that Easter differs in the Western Church. On Easter, special bread is eaten along with boiled eggs that are dyed blood red to symbolize Christ's crucifixion. The eggs are cracked open on Sunday morning to symbolize the resurrection. The meal on Easter Sunday often consists of spit-roasted lamb, salads, Easter rolls and bread. The second most important holdiay is Christmas followed by New Years. Other feast days include the celebration of the Holy Trinity on the fiftieth day after Easter and the day of the Transfiguration.
Fasting among people of this religion has its basis in the Old Testament and has ancient roots in the Church. Orthodox Christians define fasting as consuming no meat or animal products, avoiding fish but permitting shellfish, and not using olive oil. Orthodox Christians fast because it is proof that the soul can rule the body. Fasting is practiced prior to Holy Communion, on the Eve of Theopany, on the day of the Beheading of John the Baptist, and on the day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Furthermore, Orthodox Christians follow fasting guidelines during several weeks. During Advent, Lent and Holy Week, and the Fast of the Apostles, Orthodox Christians will only consume vegetable-based foods. Meat, fish with backbones, dairy products, eggs, and sweets are completely excluded from the diet during this time.
Original picture: http://faculty.mercer.edu/grant_jc/moldov81.jpg
The most important Orthodox holiday is Easter. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. It is for this reason that Easter differs in the Western Church. On Easter, special bread is eaten along with boiled eggs that are dyed blood red to symbolize Christ's crucifixion. The eggs are cracked open on Sunday morning to symbolize the resurrection. The meal on Easter Sunday often consists of spit-roasted lamb, salads, Easter rolls and bread. The second most important holdiay is Christmas followed by New Years. Other feast days include the celebration of the Holy Trinity on the fiftieth day after Easter and the day of the Transfiguration.
Fasting among people of this religion has its basis in the Old Testament and has ancient roots in the Church. Orthodox Christians define fasting as consuming no meat or animal products, avoiding fish but permitting shellfish, and not using olive oil. Orthodox Christians fast because it is proof that the soul can rule the body. Fasting is practiced prior to Holy Communion, on the Eve of Theopany, on the day of the Beheading of John the Baptist, and on the day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Furthermore, Orthodox Christians follow fasting guidelines during several weeks. During Advent, Lent and Holy Week, and the Fast of the Apostles, Orthodox Christians will only consume vegetable-based foods. Meat, fish with backbones, dairy products, eggs, and sweets are completely excluded from the diet during this time.
Original picture: http://faculty.mercer.edu/grant_jc/moldov81.jpg
Islam
Islam is the predominate religion in Bosnia with 45% of the population following this religion. The Islamic religion celebrates three main holidays of feast. The first is the Feast of Fast Breaking celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated with a large meal and giving of alms. The second holiday is the Festival of Sacrifice. This is a three day celebration that involves sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, and distributing the meat to friends, relatives, and the needy. The third feast Holiday is New Year's Day.
Muslims also celebrate fasting holidays throughout the year. The largest fasting holiday is Ramadan. Fasting during this time of 29 or 30 days is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims view this month as a time for relfection, devotion, and self-control. It is also viewed as a time to remember the less fortunate and strengthen bonds between people of society. Fasting begins at the break of dawn each day and ends at sunset. During the day, Muslims abstain from all food and drink. Each day before sunrise begins with prayer and a small pre-fasting meal, and after the sun sets, the fast is broken by consuming dates and drinking a glass of water, milk, or other beverage. Other fasting holidays include the month following Ramadan, the tenth day of the month of Muhurram, and the ninth day of Zul Hijjah.
Muslims have other dietary restrictions that they must follow every day. Foods that are considered haram or "unlawful" including pork, improperly slaughtered animals, carnivorous animals, birds or prey, lizards, snakes, and blood or blood by-products are to be avoided. Other foods are considered halal or "lawful" and can be consumed. Many products will be labeled with the symbol of the crescent moon and the letter M or with the word Halal on the package.
Original picture: http://www.aloeveragarden.com/images/halal_3.jpg
Muslims also celebrate fasting holidays throughout the year. The largest fasting holiday is Ramadan. Fasting during this time of 29 or 30 days is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims view this month as a time for relfection, devotion, and self-control. It is also viewed as a time to remember the less fortunate and strengthen bonds between people of society. Fasting begins at the break of dawn each day and ends at sunset. During the day, Muslims abstain from all food and drink. Each day before sunrise begins with prayer and a small pre-fasting meal, and after the sun sets, the fast is broken by consuming dates and drinking a glass of water, milk, or other beverage. Other fasting holidays include the month following Ramadan, the tenth day of the month of Muhurram, and the ninth day of Zul Hijjah.
Muslims have other dietary restrictions that they must follow every day. Foods that are considered haram or "unlawful" including pork, improperly slaughtered animals, carnivorous animals, birds or prey, lizards, snakes, and blood or blood by-products are to be avoided. Other foods are considered halal or "lawful" and can be consumed. Many products will be labeled with the symbol of the crescent moon and the letter M or with the word Halal on the package.
Original picture: http://www.aloeveragarden.com/images/halal_3.jpg
Website Last Updated: November 20, 2012
Copyright © Kaitlin Andrews and Monica Tedesco, 2012