Tomorrow is Mladenci: Here's what you absolutely must not eat

Tomorrow is Mladenci: Here’s what you absolutely must not eat Tomorrow, the Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful will observe the day of the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, known as Mladenci, a holiday particularly significant for newlyweds. Traditions include making 40 small honey-coated pastries called ‘mladenčići’ to symbolize a sweet and long marriage. It is also customary to eat honey, nettles, and greens for blood purification, while avoiding any ‘young’ foods.

• Mladenci, celebrating the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, is a significant holiday for those married in the past year.
• Tradition dictates making 40 ‘mladenčići’ (honey-coated pastries) for a long and sweet married life.
• Consuming honey, nettles, and greens is believed to purify the blood.
• It is advised to avoid eating ‘young’ foods on this day.
• As it falls during Great Lent, the celebratory meals should be Lenten (meat-free).