CONVENTIONS
The two most important religious holidays of the year for Serbian Americans are Božić (Christmas), and Uskrs (Easter). Both are celebrated for three days. Bozich starts with Tucindan (two days before Christmas) when a young pig is prepared to be barbecued for Christmas dinner, or Božićna večera. On the day before Christmas—called BadnjiDan—the badnjak, or Yule Log, is placed outside the house, and the pečenica, or roasted pig, is prepared. In the evening straw is placed under the table to represent the manger, the Yule log is cut and brought in for burning, and the family gathers for a Lenten Christmas Eve dinner. Božićni Post, the Christmas Lenten, is observed for six weeks prior to Christmas, during which a diet without milk, dairy products, meat, or eggs is maintained. This strict observance is practiced by fewer people today, as most are willing to fast only for a week prior to Christmas.