published on 04.01.2009, 17:42 Author: Svetla Iordanova Article rating:
Rate this article:
Send to friend
Save in favourite
Print this article
Text size
On January 7, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors John the Baptist. The holiday is also known as Ivanovden.
John the Baptist is the last prophet from the Old Testament. He was able to tell people in advance about the birth of Jesus Christ.
For Bulgarians, John the Baptist is one of the most revered saints.
Ivanovden is connected to the purifying power of water. The so called ‘dirty days’ end and people look forward to the new year and the new beginning. According to old rituals, all newly wed brides and grooms bathe and wish for health and happiness. If a maiden bathes on Ivanovden, she will get married by the same date next year.
John the Baptist is patron of friendship and brotherhood. Newly wed visit their best man and best woman and present them with bread and wine.
According to beliefs, if no snow and ice cover the earth on Ivanovden, the summer will bring diseases.
Everyone called Ivan, Ivanka, Ivelina, Ioan, Ioana, Kaloyan and Vania celebrates their name day on January 7.
John the Baptist is the last prophet from the Old Testament. He was able to tell people in advance about the birth of Jesus Christ.
For Bulgarians, John the Baptist is one of the most revered saints.
Ivanovden is connected to the purifying power of water. The so called ‘dirty days’ end and people look forward to the new year and the new beginning. According to old rituals, all newly wed brides and grooms bathe and wish for health and happiness. If a maiden bathes on Ivanovden, she will get married by the same date next year.
John the Baptist is patron of friendship and brotherhood. Newly wed visit their best man and best woman and present them with bread and wine.
According to beliefs, if no snow and ice cover the earth on Ivanovden, the summer will bring diseases.
Everyone called Ivan, Ivanka, Ivelina, Ioan, Ioana, Kaloyan and Vania celebrates their name day on January 7.
Article overview
Gallery
Videos
advertising
advertising
advertising
see all blogs
Blogs latest posts
-
When in Rome, do as the Romans do - A short opinion on why foreigners so often feel separated (and in my opinion...
published by Lucy in Bulgaria -
Winter resort disaster during the summer - In the winter, it might all appear oh so shiny and perfect. Winter resorts...
published by Lucy in Mountain Resorts -
The pleasures of culinary and rural tourism - I am madly in love with Bulgarian villages.
I mean the small ones, that...
published by Lucy in Rural
advertising
advertising
January 7 - Ivanovden