Macedonia is a country in southeastern Europe. Stay with Saed News to get acquainted with the customs and traditions of this beautiful country.
Macedonia
Macedonia is one of the countries in southeastern Europe and is located north of Greece. This country was able to separate from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. The capital of Macedonia is the beautiful city of Skopje. According to historians and archaeologists, there is evidence of human existence in this land dating back to the Paleolithic era, and historians consider its age to be up to 9,000 years. Also, from the middle of the Neolithic period, red pottery and ceramics have been discovered in the western part of Macedonia. Beyond these millennia and the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, we reach ancient Macedonia, where the Macedonian kingdom expanded and the history of Macedonia entered a new phase.
Culture of the Macedonian People
In the culture of Macedonia, civilization plays a very important role, and the people of this country take great pride in their civilization. Research shows that the pride of the Macedonian people is better than any nation’s in terms of attachment to principles and daily life customs, and the lifestyle among the people is developed at a superficial level. Macedonians have a strong liking for smoking, and after Greece, this country ranks high in the number of smokers worldwide. The standard of living in Macedonia is very high, and the culture of living is excellent. Students in Macedonia start experimenting with smoking from a young age; the highest percentage of smokers are culturally very influential. In any case, the culture of the Macedonian people can have its own specific conditions. The population of Macedonia is generally about 10 million, and the living conditions can include various religious natures. Young people in this country participate in important ceremonies. Visiting churches in Macedonia has special conditions, and the lifestyle culture in this region has good foresight. During holidays in this country, everyone must be able to form special principles. Easter in Macedonia is generally valued more than other holidays. It is clear that cultural positions in Macedonia can have political and valuable roles. Various governments are seen in this country, and religious chances are assessed according to simple principles. The appearance and manifestation of Christ in this country are observed during various festivals. Languages spoken include Macedonian (68%), Albanian (25%), Turkish (3%), Serbian and Croatian (2%), and other languages (2%).
Religion in Macedonia
Islam is the second-largest religion in Macedonia, introduced during the Ottoman period, when about thirty percent of the population accepted Islam and supported it. There is no precise data on the population of Shia Muslims in Macedonia, but it is clear that religious principles are assessed under specific governments. Islam is strongly supported among the people of Macedonia. Many Muslims in the country belong to Albanian, Turkish, and Macedonian ethnicities, and some groups are monitored under specific religious organizations. There are many mosques in Macedonia for residence and worship. Sunni Muslims also reside there, and these have been evaluated in different periods. Famous mosques include Sultan Murad Mosque, Sharena Mosque, Macedonia Community Mosque, and others, all of which are very attractive and notable in the country. Sufi orders are also present, with the strength of these mosques dating back to different periods. There are also religious centers (tekiye) based on Shia imams, with various poems written on the walls. Mourning ceremonies are supervised by different governments. Offering food for religious purposes (Nazri food) is considered part of religion in Macedonia.
Dress in Macedonia
Hijab is free in Macedonia. If you pay attention, women wear very beautiful clothes, and beauty has a different definition for them. People in this country consider their official dress dependent on specific policies. Colorful clothing has special rules, and in funerals, no one is allowed to wear colorful clothing. Generally, each person can make individual decisions about their dress. Cotton clothes are mostly used in summer. Famous hats in Macedonia have two notable parts, one of which is made from colored fabric symbolizing the country's flag. Everyone is encouraged to develop their own style. Clothing in Macedonia is characterized by vivid patterns and colors. The use of appropriate dress is monitored by various organizations. Dress standards have improved greatly compared to past years. The official dress follows the latest trends. Everyone has the right to wear beautiful clothes. Dress in churches and mosques is modest, and people are not allowed to be immodest or uncovered in these places. Children’s clothing is always colorful and joyful.
Superstitions in Macedonia
There are some superstitions regarding etiquette and social behavior in Macedonia that are worth knowing. On your first meeting with someone, you may only shake their hand formally and should not smile! Smiling at the first meeting is considered unlucky and troublesome. Direct eye contact is also observed under specific conditions. Etiquette is highly valued among Macedonian people. Sometimes it is customary to kiss people, but there are many superstitions about smiling. Touching the shoulder of another person is considered very rude and has superstitious roots; it is better to ask for permission before doing so. Talking too much is not considered good, and Macedonians avoid talkative people, associating excessive talking with weak thinking. These superstitions affect acceptance chances. There are many superstitions about the variety in dressing, which have led to specific rules in recent years. People must be supported by particular governments. Many superstitions exist around visiting friends, such as limiting visits to newlyweds.
Food in Macedonia
Ćevapi is one of the delicious foods in Macedonia, with a distinctive taste. It is made from minced red meat and served as small rolls. It is served with onions and is very high in protein. Some people compare it to sausage. Pljeskavica is a type of kebab and one of the most popular Serbian dishes. Grilled dishes are very common in Macedonia and are mixed with onions and shaped into circles. This dish tastes like a hamburger and is usually smoked. It is an excellent choice for young people. Sarma is a dish similar to dolma, made with grape leaves or cabbage. Potatoes and meat are used for better flavor. Mixed eggplants are usually prepared as a salad. Cold drinks are very popular. The mixed eggplants in this dish are specially prepared. Ajvar is a traditional Macedonian dish, very tasty, similar to a spread made from red peppers and eggplants. This dish is very spicy and might not suit everyone’s taste.
Traditional Wedding Festival in Macedonia
Every year, a small group of mountain dwellers in Macedonia celebrate the union of man and woman in a very special traditional wedding ceremony. On a Sunday, a few hours before the annual wedding festival in the village of Galičnik ends, the groom and his groomsmen set off for the forest to carry out the last part of invitations and special rituals. It is mid-July (Tir month). This happy group, dressed in heavy shirts and wool pants, accompanied by people playing wooden trumpets and drums, walk in a single file along a narrow path towards the cemetery, holding a bottle of local rakija (liquor) and some glasses on a tray.
They then surround a gravestone located in a clearing among trees and pour some of the drink on the grave. This traditional ceremony, which has been going on for several days, involves celebration, dancing, and drinking. Lighting special religious candles and gathering around the graves of deceased relatives invites them to the final hours of the event. The ceremony is held annually on July 14 and 15 and lasts two and a half days. Inviting the spirits of those who passed away long ago has no connection with modern wedding customs. But for the locals, thousands of Macedonians living abroad, and tourists who travel to the western mountains of Macedonia, this ancient traditional ceremony is very special. The beauty of this ceremony is in the time spent preserving and promoting this old tradition. This festival began a century ago after several generations of Galičnik residents migrated but never forgot their roots. Every summer, on St. Peter’s Day (July 12 for Orthodox Christians), villagers return to find their missing half they cannot find elsewhere. Today, thousands from around the world return to this village to help newlyweds, pay respects to ancestors, and honor the nature and environment they all cherish.
The traditional ceremony unofficially begins on Friday night to honor the young groom, with all villagers participating. From Saturday until the religious ceremony on Sunday in the church, special programs take place, including a traditional dance performed by the groom’s mother. The bride fills three pitchers with water from three springs. Other programs include moving the bride from her father’s house to the groom’s house, accompanied by group celebrations, hospitality, congratulations to those involved, and farewells to the musicians.
Final Word
Speaking local languages is very common in Macedonia, which is also present among Iranians and significantly impacts culture. Using local poetry is also important in the culture of this country. Cultural heritage among Macedonian people is excellent. Their ancient civilization is a source of great pride, and getting acquainted with their culture can greatly improve communication with the people.
