Growing up in a family where grandparents and parents came from a foreign country made childhood different for the average American kid. When I was younger the differences were difficult to understand and sometimes I felt like I could not relate to my non-Serbian friends. As I grew older, I began to realize that these differences were something to be embraced completely and I learned to be proud that I was able to experience and know all the ‘differences’ of another culture. From holidays to weddings, food to cultural activities, I experienced things that were not seen as typical in mainstream society. I’m here to tell you that being different is not always bad. You can always do what everyone else is doing but then there is that extra something that is unique and special and has made me the person I am today.
In Serbian culture, you are no stranger to crowds of 800+ people at any social setting. After all, that is the size of an average wedding. Weddings are a major scale difference compared to what my friends were experiencing. Also, weddings are not just a rare occasion; each summer is filled with countless numbers of weddings our family attends because the more the merrier. Large weddings ultimately include copious amounts of food. Dessert tables filled with over 100 different desserts is the normal standard and believe me, nobody complains.
While everyone else was going to extracurricular activities after school, such as sports or dance teams, you went to those … PLUS you had folklore practice or Serbian school. There was always something extra on the side that made your life just a little more hectic or busy. If you weren’t participating at a sporting event, you were performing at a folklore festival. Although it felt overwhelming at times, those were some of the best memories because you created friendships with other kids just like you from different cities.
Holidays were always different. So basically, you got the lucky (sometimes unlucky) opportunity of having your holidays such as Christmas and Easter after everyone else celebrates which equates to discounts on gifts and Easter candy. Missing school was always appreciated but waiting the extra time for presents was never a plus. As you grow older you ultimately learn to appreciate that this is normal and you embrace your rich culture and customs.
The social aspect is INCREDIBLE. There is always an opportunity to be brought together several times a year at sports tournaments. There are ‘sports’ events throughout the year such as basketball and golf that are attended by thousands. They are not intended to identify the best athlete. The goal is to participate and reconnect with friends from your culture from around the country. It’s basically a reunion with your 2000 closest family and friends. Lifetime relationships are developed and people are brought together by our unbreakable cultural bond. You all just get each other and no one can fully understand what it is like unless you live it. This is my life.. and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
