The next day after Christmas Eve is Christmas. Here again Christian and old folk beliefs intertwine. On Christmas the 40-day fast ends. The Church celebrates the birth of the Savior, and the people – the birth of the new Sun. The main symbolism of Christmas is the eternal nature, dying and reborn again and again. The Christmas table is rich and mainly with meat dishes. The farmers ritually slaughter the pig that they have raised all year especially for this day. In addition to the pork, the table is filled with sumptuous pies with meat or cheese, stuffed chickens, pork, sauerkraut, pastrami, fried meatballs. The baby is born, but until Jordan's Day the days are called "dirty" and it is believed that all the evil, supernatural beings roam around at that time. A person should not go outside after dark, so that they do not harm him. If someone had to go out after dark, he was obliged to carry a musk with the main ingredient garlic, to protect him from the dark forces. This is also the main task of the Christmas carolers - to bring health and prosperity and, with their songs and rituals, to protect them from evil forces.

On Christmas morning, people go to church. Then the bidding for the maiden's cows begins. If a young man loves a maiden, it is a matter of honor for him to buy the cow from her. People gather all day long, where young and old alike have fun.

You can read more about old folk customs and holidays in the collection:

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