Re: Simpraga/Baljkovic

Hello Cal -

After contacting our friends at www.Benkovac.org.yu we have the following info for you (this info can also be found on their web site and I have included links below):
The Simpraga surname still exists in Raducic and Bribir (both Dalmatia, Croatia) and the family "slava" (saint that is deemed to be the protector of the family, this saint's day is celebrated by the entire family and friends once a yr - on that saint's day and was used as an exuse for larger gatherings during the Osman empire as such gatherings were otherwise prohibitted - this is a very rough and short explanation - visit www.serbianorthodoxchurch.com for more info!) - in any case, the familysaint is Sveti Georgije (st. George).

http://www.benkovac.org.yu/obicaji/prezimena/sh.htmhttp://www.benkovac.org.yu/obicaji/prezimena/sh.htm

The same info can be found for the Baljkovic family: still in Djevrske and Kistanje (also both in Dalmatia)and the family saint is Sveti Luka (St.Luke).

http://www.benkovac.org.yu/obicaji/prezimena/b.htmhttp://www.benkovac.org.yu/obicaji/prezimena/b.htm

Our colleagues from Benkovac will be getting back to us with any more info they have on the two families.In the meantime, feel free to contact us either by e-mail or at our site www.Serbia-Today.com (new message board)!
Good luck -
Danica Radisic-Visnjic
The Serbian Genealogy Foundation
Belgrade, Serbia
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands