From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians"

The ninth of March is the day of the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sevastia

This day has deeply entered the Bulgarian tradition. In the Middle Ages, the holiday was especially revered. According to one of the most famous historical sources, it is the Turnovo Column of Tsar Ivan Asen II (1218-1241). The memorable victory at Klokotnitsa was celebrated there, where on March 9, 1230, the Bulgarians defeated the despot of Epirus, Theodore Comnenus. This column was discovered in the royal church "St. 40 Martyrs" in the old Bulgarian capital Tarnovo. The legend that the spirits of the kings and queens of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom who were buried there appeared on the night of March 8-9 is connected to this church. During slavery, the thought that the spirits of the old rulers were watching over the people strengthened the Bulgarians.

And the holy 40 martyrs were Roman soldiers who secretly professed Christianity. In 320 AD , a few years before the official recognition of Christianity and the end of the persecution of the early Christians, their regiment was stationed near Sebastia, a city in Asia Minor. When they discovered that they were Christians, they were subjected to severe torture. 40 warriors died for the faith. The Orthodox Church later canonized them.

For the old Bulgarians, these 40 warriors are a symbol of 40 babies. On this day, according to tradition, the first storks arrive. And the stork is a sacred bird for the old Bulgarians. There are many tales in which we read how storks, flying south, turn into people. According to other beliefs, it is the stork that brings the newborn into the home. If storks build a nest in someone's home, then the same is protected from magic and evil.

On this holiday, rituals are usually performed by children. Before sunrise they must rub themselves in the grass. Then they sing psalms and offer various prayers to the sacred birds:

"... Ratchet, rattle!

 Click car under car

 Let's pick a stone

 Let's build bridges

 Let us have guests!... "

Any child who has participated in the ritual will not be afflicted with any disease related to the cross when they grow up. In general, on this day, the health of children is honored, as they are the most vulnerable to diseases. And the mothers of the little children prepare ritual cakes - babies smeared with honey and give them out for health.

According to other legends, spring comes on this day because God stuck 40 or 140 heated shishas, hit the earth with them and it started to warm. The sun was turning to summer.

© 2023 Iliana Dechkova