Articles from category: Holidays and Traditions from bulgariainside.com

Easter in Bulgaria

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:13:00 +0300

Easter is the day on which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Bulgaria, preparations for the holiday last an entire week. Numerous traditions were created as part of the celebrations. Bulgarians color eggs on Thursday or Saturday before Easter. The number of eggs depends on the number of family members. Eggs symbolize the new beginning and the natural renovation. They are also symbols of rebirth and new life. In the past, Bulgarians used natural dyes to color eggs. Onions, nettle, apples and walnuts were used as natural sources of coloring.E The oldest woman in the family dyes the first egg, which must be red. The egg is then used by the woman who makes cross signs with it on the forehead of each child. The egg is then placed next to the icon and is preserved. Bulgarian women depended on their imagination and craftsmanship to create beautiful...

March 3 - Bulgaria's Liberation

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:21:00 +0200

The most important Bulgarian holiday. March 3 is always a day off from work. On this day, in 1878, Russia and the Ottoman empire signed a preliminary peace treaty in San Stefano, a small fishermen's village near Istanbul. The treaty puts an end to the Russo – Turkish war and defines the end of the Ottoman presence in Bulgarian territories. For the first time the date was celebrated in 1880 and was known as the first day of the rule of Alexander II and the signing of the San Stefano treaty. Since 1888 the date is known as the day of Bulgarian liberation from Ottoman rule. It was officially named a national holiday in 1990. A military parade takes place in Sofia and each Bulgarian settlement has its own way to mark the occasion. The president hosts a reception for all ambassadors in the country, during which Bulgarian politicians and intellectuals are also...

February 10 - St. Charalampus and St. Valentina

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:40:00 +0200

February 10 is the day of St. Charalampus and martyr St. Valentina. This is the name day of everyone called Valentin and Valenita, instead of the Catholic St. Valentine’s Day on February 14. Other people, who celebrate their name day on February 10, are Valeri, Valeria, Haralampi and Lambi. St. Charalampus was a Christian bishop in Asia Minor’s Magnesia. He died in 198 at the age of 113. Throughout his life, the saint suffered torture because of his faith. Yet, his wounds miraculously healed, which made many people accept Christianity. Bulgarian folklore points St. Charalampus as protector against diseases, most of all against plague. He is often presented as lord of the disease, which is bound in chains. To keep themselves safe from diseases people refrain from working on February 10. Women wake up early to prepare ritual bread. It is usually decorated...

February 2 and 3 - Wolf Holidays

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:09:00 +0200

On February 2 and 3 the Orthodox church marks two holidays- the day of Virgin Mary and the day of prophet Simon. The holiday marks 40 days since the birth of Jesus Christ, when Virgin Mary took him to the Christian temple for the first time. Upon their entry, two of the prophets in the temple named Jesus the Messiah. In Bulgarian folk rituals, February 2 and 3 are known as wolf days. According to legends, wolves become dangerous on these days. To protect themselves, people have to follow a number of rituals. Women refrain from doing housework. The rule applies especially for pregnant women. It was rather important to refrain from using scissors, which represented the jaws of a wolf. Ritual breads were made and were given to friends. February 2 is also the day when predictions about the upcoming year were made.

Koukeri

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:33:00 +0200

Koukeri dances are one of Bulgaria’s symbols. The ritual dates back to the pagan past of the country and served various purposes. Most often, koukeri chased away the evil and brought health and wealth. The ritual varies from one part of Bulgaria to another. One thing never changes, only young and single men participate. A man is chosen to lead the group and he has to be married. People used to choose the wealthiest man in the village, or the father of twins. Some parts of the country lack a leading dancer. Two men act as a couple and one dresses as a braid and the other as a groom. All others wear furry coats and belts that have bells hanging from them. All of the men wear masks or paint their faces. Koukeri masks differ. Some are tiny, others are large. Leather, feathers, fur and bells are used in the preparation. The masks symbolize animals or people, most often...

February 1- St. Trifon's Day

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0200

On February 1, the Orthodox Church honors St. Trifon. He was a healer and was well known for a number of miracles. The saint was born in 225 in the family of poor Christians living in the Asia Minor part of the Roman empire. When 17, Trifon managed to cure the sick daughter of the emperor. The next emperor, Trajan Decius, chased away Christians and prosecuted them for their faith. Trifon refused to change his beliefs and was tortured. The saint died because of the torture but kept on praying and believing until his final breath. Wine producers and vine growers celebrate on February 1. Housewives wake up early in the morning to make bread. Chicken is boiled and the best wine is taken to the vineyard. There, men traditionally prune the vines. Fertility rituals are performed and a vine king is selected. The person is usually wealthy. Once the rituals are over, people sit...

January 17 - Antonovden

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:55:00 +0200

January 17 is the day of St. Anthony the Great in Bulgaria. Though he is not a Bulgarian saint, Bulgarians respect and honor St. Anthony. St. Anthony the Great was born in the middle of the 3rd century in a Christian family in Egypt. When he turned 20, the saint decided to give up social life and donated all of his property to the poor. In the coming 20 years, Anthony lived in isolation in the desert. The saint died when he was 105-year old. Bulgarian folk present St. Anthony and St. Anastasius as twin brothers or a craftsman and his student. Blacksmiths celebrate on January 17. People refrain from working on that day so that they could be protected from diseases. The only work that women do is the preparation of bread early in the morning. Beans and lentils are not cooked on that day, since people believed these were connected to plague and measles. January 17 is...

January 18 - Atanasovden

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:53:00 +0200

On January 18, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Athanasius. The saint was born in the end of the 3rd century in Alexandria. He was educated and the strong belief of the young man impressed even religious authorities in the city. Athanasius soon became helper of the bishop. Upon the death of the bishop, Athanasius was selected as his successor. Yet, people got jealous and spoke badly of him in front of the emperor. St. Athanasius was chased away. In Bulgarian folklore, St. Athanasius is presented as a strong lad. According to the legend, he rode his white horse to a peak of Stara Planina Mountain where he asked for sun and summer weather. Because of this legend, January 18 is seen as the day of new beginning, spring and hope. Some Bulgarians still wake up early and welcome the sun on the morning of January 18. Limitations that are followed on the day of St....

January 20 - Rooster Day

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:26:00 +0200

On January 20, some Bulgarian regions celebrate Petliovden (rooster day). This is a holiday dedicated to lads and baby boys. A man has to butcher a rooster in front of the house. A cross sign is made on the door using the blood. Feathers are preserved so that women can use them in fortune telling and healing rituals. The butchered rooster is ritually thrown outside the yard, after which it is taken inside and used in the preparation of dishes. In some villages, people butcher hens so that baby girls will be healthy, as well. Rituals connected to January 20 are entirely pagan and several versions about their origin exist. Some believe that the animal sacrifice is connected to health. Others are certain that the rituals have something to do with child kidnapping by various tribes. At that time, people made blood crosses on the front door to indicate that their boy had died.

January 8 - Babinden

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:47:00 +0200

January 8 is known in Bulgaria as ‘babinden.’ This is the holiday of women giving birth and of midwives. This day is in no way connected to Christianity. Celebrations started long ago in villages, where old women and midwives were respected. The holiday is entirely female and men refrain from taking part in the folk rituals. Women wake up early so that their children will be active and early-rising. Bread is made. Midwives visit all the houses where they aided women in giving birth over the past year. The face of the baby is ritually washed clean with water. Honey and butter is spread over the forehead of the newborn, a ritual connected to health. For lunch, midwives welcome the same women in their homes. They receive various presents. All visitors are given pieces of bread, which are used in predicting the gender of the next offspring. In the...

January 7 - Ivanovden

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:42:00 +0200

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...

January 6 - Epiphany

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:01:00 +0200

The Orthodox Church celebrates epiphany on January 6. Epiphany is derived from the Greek word ‘to reveal.’ On that day, Jesus was baptized in Jordan River. As the story goes, during the ritual, the sky opened and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove and named Jesus the son of God. Because of this event, the holiday has been called epiphany. In Bulgarian folklore, the night of January 5, the sky opens and the prayers of all people are heard. Bulgarians also celebrate the purifying and healing power of water. People attend a mass and usually after it, the priest throws a cross in a river or a lake. Lads try to catch the cross. The one who manages to reach it first will be happy and healthy throughout the year. The cross is returned to the priest and the winner receives gifts and a blessing. If the cross freezes in the water, the year is expected...

January 1 - St. Basil's Day

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:38:00 +0200

On January 1, the Orthodox church honors St. Basil of Caesaria, or Basil the Great. He was born in the 330 AD in the Asia Minor town of Caesaria. As a bishop, Basil helped many people and laid the foundations of charity. He was named Basil the Great while still alive. Basil was also a prophet and managed to predict the date of his own death. On that date, January 1, Christians honor the achievements of the saint. On January 1, Bulgarians perform a number of rituals. Before dawn, children aged 5 to 12, visit houses and perform sourvakane. They carry cornel-tree sticks decorated with colorful threads and popcorn. The sticks are used to wish people health and good luck. Fortune telling is also carried out, since the period is considered one of the best of the year for predicting the future. Dishes prepared for January 1 are diverse and include meat. The dishes that must be...

December 20 - Ignazhden

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:15:00 +0200

Ignazhden, or the day of St. Ignatius marks the beginning of the new year and of Christmas celebrations in Bulgaria. It takes place on December 20. December 20 is the name day of everyone named Ignat, Ognian, Ogniana, Plamen and Plamena. This is one of the biggest Orthodox celebrations in Bulgaria. It honors the deeds of St. Ignatius, who was sentenced to death by emperor Trajan because of his belief. Ignatius was named Theophorus, which in Greek means bearing God in his heart. The night before Ignazhden Bulgarians set a festive dinner table. All dishes need to be meatless. Ignazhden is tied to a tradition named polazvane, which is used to predict fortune during the coming year. If the first guest to enter the house is a good person, the family will enjoy success and happiness throughout the year. Polaznik (the first guest) is often selected and invited in advance....

December 17 - St. Daniel's Day

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:02:00 +0200

The Orthodox Church honors prophet Daniel on December 17. This is the date when everyone named Danail, Daniel and Daniela celebrate their name days. When Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, a number of people were enslaved. Some of these people were sent to the royal palace. Daniel was one of them. Daniel preserved his faith, though on many occasions he was forced to accept pagan rituals. Because of his wisdom, the prophet soon gained the trust of the ruler. Yet, his prophecies were dark and predicted the end of the kingdom. Unhappy with them, the ruler decided to torture Daniel and his followers. As the story goes, Daniel was thrown in a lion pit but none of the animals touched him over a period of six days. Since Daniel survived all of the challenges, the ruler started believing in the power of God. Women, who have infants or who expect a child celebrate on December...

December 27 - Stephanovden

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0200

St. Stephen is the first Christian martyr. His acts are honored by the Orthodox church on December 27, called in Bulgaria Stephanovden. December 27 is the name day of everyone called Stephan, Stephana, Stamen, Stoimen, Stanimir, Stanimira, Stoil, Stanka, Stoian, Stoianka, Tania, Tsonko, Zaprian. Stephen was the creator of the first Christian community. Since it started gaining power, some groups of Jews got jealous and decided to call Stepehn a traitor. He was stoned to death and the only one praying for him was Virgin Mary. In 415, Stephen’s relics were discovered because of the miraculous dream a priest had. They were taken to Jerusalem. Stephanovden is the third Christmas day and the final holiday of the year. The family sits together at the table and consumes meat dishes. One of the rituals connected to December 27 is called ladouvane. Maidens get together...

December 9 - St. Anne's Conception

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:33:00 +0200

St. Anne, the mother of Virgin Mary, is considered protector of the family, maidens, pregnant women and widows. The Orthodox Church celebrates the conception of Virgin Mary on December 9. Since the occasion is conception, December 9 is connected to the new beginning. St. Anne and St. Joachim often prayed for a child but still remained without an offspring. Finally, God heard their prayers and sent an angel to tell Anne that she will soon have a daughter. December 9 is the name day of everyone called Anna, Ana, Aneta and Anita. Since St. Anne is protector of the family, most Bulgarian traditions on that day are connected to fertility, marriages and the health of all family members. The holiday is celebrated mostly in southern and western parts of Bulgaria. On that day, women refrain from working so that their children will be healthy. Unmarried maidens sow wheat inside the...

December 6 - Nikoulden

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:55:00 +0200

As the story goes, St. Nicolas was born in a wealthy family during the second half of the 3rd century. His uncle convinced the parents to let young Nicolas dedicate his life to God. After the death of his parents, Nicolas used their wealth to do goods. Once, while traveling by ship, Nicolas managed through prayer to raise a sailor from the dead and to end a storm. Soon after, he moved to a monastery. One night Nicolas heard a voice, telling him that God had other plans for his existence. Nicolas was chosen as a bishop and headed a regional church. Diocletian and Galerius, two pagan emperors, ruled at that time. St. Nicolas was taken to prison and tortured. He was freed during the reign of emperor Constantine and once again became a bishop. St. Nicolas died in 342. In 1099, his remains were taken to Italy and are still preserved there today. People honor St. Nicolas as a...

Christmas Fasting

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:51:00 +0200

Christmas fasting in Bulgaria begins on November 15. The fasts are sometimes called Philip fasts, since they begin right after the day of the apostle. Believers are allowed to consume meat on the night of November 14. Fasting begins the next morning and lasts 40 days. In order to fast, people have to refrain from the consumption of certain foods and from some social activities, in order to purify themselves. The tradition was started in the 12th century. Even before that, Christians refrained from consuming meat several weeks before Christmas. From the first to the final week of the Christmas fast, Christians are allowed to eat only foods of plant origin, cooked without oil. Fish and wine can be consumed on December 6, the day of St. Nicolas. A food fast without a spiritual fast is worthless, according to the church. Fasting is not the target itself but the means to...

November 30 - St. Andrew's Day

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:18:00 +0300

St. Andrew was the first apostle to follow Jesus Christ. Andrew and his brother Simon known as Peter were fishermen. Both of them followed Jesus everywhere and witnessed his miracles, death and resurrection. Upon the resurrection, apostles traveled to various places to preach. Andrew traveled north. He visited Greece, Asia Minor and continued his trip alongside the Black Sea shore to reach present-time Russia. Andrew preached all his life and met with patience all the hostility that he met. Just like Jesus, Andrew was crucified and ended his life as a martyr. During the reign of emperor Constantine, Andrew’s remains were taken to Constantinople and placed in St. Apostles church. When crusaders conquered the city in 1208, the relics were taken to Italy’s Amalfi. Andrew is considered an important saint for Orthodox Christians. In Bulgarian...

November 21 - The Presentation of Mary

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:40:00 +0300

When the young Virgin Mary turned three, her parents had to fulfill a promise that they made previously and took her to the Temple of Jerusalem to consecrate her to God. They placed Mary at the first step. To the wonder of all bystanders, the small Mary managed to climb all 15 stairs by herself. Priest Zacharias took her inside. Upon the permission of priests, her parents returned to Nazareth. Mary lived alongside other girls and widows that served in the temple. St. Anna, Mary’s mother, joined her daughter upon the death of her husband. Preparing for her mission, Mary worked hard, prayed constantly and read. When Mary became old enough to get married, priests asked her to do so. Yet, Mary told them that she wanted to spend her life devoted to God. Yet, priests decided to engage her to the older Joseph, a relative of her parents. Throughout their life,...

November 8 - Archangels' day

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:36:00 +0300

Upon baptism, each Christian is to know that a protector will be alongside throughout life. According to the church, this fleshless guardian is to remain together with each person until the soul leaves the body. Archangel Michael is the most important among these guardian angels. Michael was the most devoted follower of God who managed to chase away evil spirits and to slay the devil himself. The Orthodox Church has decided to celebrate Archangel Michael’s day on November 8. This date was selected during a summoning in the 4th century. Bulgarians call the archangel Rangel. In folklore stories, he is a young and handsome man, who comes to guide the souls of dying people. Boiled mutton and bread are prepared and people pray for easy and painless death. House owners give bread to their neighbors and relatives. All chores are left for the coming day. The Saturday...

October 14 - Petkovden

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:47:00 +0300

Venerable Petka, also known as Paraskeva, lived in the 11th century in the town of Epivat on the Marble Sea coast. Her parents were rich and upon their death, Petka donated all their possessions to the poor and chose to fast and pray for the rest of her life. Petka spent five years in seclusion in Pokrov Bogorodichen church in Constantinople. She then moved to the desert of Jordan, where she remained until an angel appeared to tell her that her soul was to soon leave her body. Two years later, while praying, Petka died in the church St. Apostoli in her home town. As the story goes, the remains of the saint were miraculous and cured diseases that could not be dealt with otherwise. They were taken to many places. From 1238 to 1393, Petka’s remains were placed in Turnovo’s Prepodobna Petka church but upon the Ottoman conquest were moved to Vidin. Later on,...

October 26 - Dimitrovden

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:48:00 +0300

Martyr Dimitri was born in the family of the Saloniki chief. His father believed in Christ but never announced publicly his faith. Upon the death of his parents, the young Dimitri inherited their wealth, both material and spiritual. Emperor Diocletian made Dimitri town chief and the young man got the difficult task to prosecute Christians. He decided to do the exact opposite and started preaching openly. In the autumn of 306, emperor Galerius was passing through Saloniki and saw Dimitri preaching. Galerius opposed Christianity and decided to throw the young town chief in prison. While in prison, Dimitri asked God to take his soul. He also blessed a gladiator by the name of Nestor. Because of the blessing Nestor managed to defeat his fierce enemy but the emperor asked for his death. Once the emperor learned that Dimitri gave Nestor his blessing, the emperor decided to kill...

September 17 - Viara, Nadezhda, Liubov and Sofia

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:08:00 +0300

Christians honor three girls named Viara (faith), Nadezhda (hope) and Liubov (love), as well as their mother Sofia on September 17. The four martyrs died in the 2nd century, after emperor Adrian tortured them. Yet, none of the girls gave up the faith. All were beheaded. Sofia witnessed their death, buried her daughters and asked God to let her join her children. September 17 is the day on which Christians honor virtues like wisdom, faith, hope and love. Bulgarians especially value love for relatives, hope in potential wellbeing and the wisdom gathered through the ages. Bread is made on September 17 and is served together with fruits. People celebrate. Songs and traditional dances mark the occasion. September 17 is Sofia’s holiday, since the capital has been named to signify wisdom.

September 14 - Krustovden

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:04:00 +0300

The Orthodox Church honors the cross four times each year namely on the third Sunday of the Great Feast, on Good Friday and on August 1 and September 14. Three events are connected to September 14 known as Krustovden (cross day) or Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Bulgaria. These include the vision that emperor Constantine had of a cross, the fact that his mother Helena found the cross at Golgotha and the return of the Holy Cross from Persia during the reign of emperor Heraclius. Exaltation of the cross is recreated in each Orthodox church on September 14. The cross is positioned in the center of the church so that all believers can see it and pray. People call the holiday Grozdobernik (grape collection day). According to Bulgarian folklore, on September 14 the sun moves backward and autumn begins. The day marks the beginning of numerous agriculture activities among which...

September 8 - The Birth of Mary

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:02:00 +0300

“Anna … shall bring … a daughter, and you shall call her name Mary; She shall, according to your vow, be devoted to the Lord from her infancy, and be filled with the Holy Ghost from her mother's womb,” says the Gospel of the Birth of Mary. In Bulgaria, Mary’s birth is celebrated on September 8 and is seen as an important Orthodox holiday. On that day, women ask Mary to help them in the birth and upbringing of their children. Each wife makes special bread and gives a piece to all member of the family. One of the bread pieces is given to cattle and another one is kept inside the house, so that Mary would give her blessing. Bulgarian women refrain from weaving and sewing from August 15 to September 8. This is believed to keep their children healthy. During that time period, women are allowed to work in the garden and to...

September 1 - St. Simeon Stulpnik

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:53:00 +0300

According to the Orthodox Church, September 1 marks the beginning of the year and is also the celebration of St. Simeon Stulpnik. The saint was born in 357 in Asia Minor. Simeon joined a monastery when he was 18 and decided through fast and prayer to purify himself. To protect himself from sin, Simeon constructed a tower (stulp, an old Bulgarian word) and settled there. For many years, Simeon lived in a small chamber in the tower and prayed for the health of ill people, who were often cured in this manner. Simeon died very old. His remains were placed in a church that was specially built for the purpose. People often went to pray there. Bulgarians consider St. Simeon’s day the beginning of the ploughing season. Early in the morning, women make bread that is given to livestock. A rooster is butchered and cooked and brought to the field together with the bread....

National Holidays

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:02:00 +0300

January 1: New Year. This is probably the most popular holiday in Bulgaria, though it is connected neither to religion nor to Bulgarian history. Bulgarians welcome the coming of the new year in the company of their friends and family members. The night of December 31 is usually spent in a restaurant or at a home party. Bulgarians sing, dance the traditional horo, drink champaign at midnight and continue the celebrations until the early morning. January 1 is used for rest and once everyone has recovered, the celebrations can continue. March 3: the most important Bulgarian holiday. March 3 is always a day off from work. On this day, in 1878, Russia and the Ottoman empire signed a preliminary peace treaty in San Stefano, a small fishermen's village near Istanbul. The treaty puts an end to the Russo – Turkish war and defines the end of the Ottoman presence in Bulgarian...

Nestinari

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:24:00 +0300

Nestinarstvo or fire dancing is an old Bulgarian ritual that is still practiced in several Strandzha Mountain villages. In the beginning of the 20th century, the ritual spread to some Greek settlements after Bulgarians relocated from the Strandzha region. The dances were mentioned for the first time in writings from 1862. Some historians believe that the ritual has pagan origin, despite the fact that the firedancers carry icons in their hands. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church persecuted nestinari and claimed that they were possessed by the devil. The authentic ritual used to take place on June 3, the day of St. Konstantin and Elena. Today, some nestinari dance on other occasions, mainly to entertain tourists. Only certain people can dance on burning embers. They often are members of families that have practiced the ritual long time. The leading dancer gets the title from his or...

Koledari

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:47:00 +0300

Christmas is one of the most honored Christian celebrations in Bulgaria. Local traditions connected to the occasion are numerous and intriguing and most combine Orthodox and pagan rituals. The entire family has a dinner on Christmas Eve. This night ends the fast preceding Christmas. The dinner table should include an odd number of lenten dishes among which bread, wheat, dried fruits, stuffed vine and cabbage leaves. The table should also have dishes made of swelling products like wheat, beans and rice. This symbolizes the victory of day over night and the increasing number of daylight hours. After midnight, Bulgaria's koledari start their rituals. Only young, single or recently married men can become koledari. On December 22, the group begins meeting and working on Christmas songs. On Christmas Eve, they walk in the village, visiting each house. The trip starts from east....

Martenitsa

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:49:00 +0300

Martenitsa is one of the most recognizable Bulgarian symbols. Martentitsa is worn as an adornment and is made of red and white threads. Modifications are numerous. In some parts of the country, people add a blue thread to counter curses. March 1 is the day on which Bulgarians exchange martenitsas. These are carried until one sees a blossoming tree or a stork. Once people see these spring symbols, they tie their martenitsas on a tree or let them flow downstream a river. In some regions, people leave martenitsas under rocks. They return a month later to count the number of ants under the rock. If there are many, the year is to be prosperous. Some Bulgarians tie martenitsas on fruit trees and farm animals. Initially, only women and children exchanged martenitsas. Everybody started celebrating March 1 several decades ago. According to traditions, the oldest woman of a household...

Lazarouvane

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:14:00 +0300

Lazarouvane is a spring ritual that welcomes the coming of the season. It takes place on Lazarovden, eight days before Easter. Its date varies but always comes on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. Willow twigs are used to decorate house gates. During the next day, young girls pick flowers and make Palm Sunday wreaths. On Saturday, girls gather to prepare their celebration clothes. After they get ready, girls take a walk in the village and sing, bringing health and prosperity to each house. All house owners welcome these girls and give them small presents. In the past, village lads asked their loved one to become their wife on Lazarovden. It was also believed that if a girl did not take part in the Lazarovden rituals, she was never going to get married.