St. Anthony the Great is also the patron saint of basket makers, because during his lifetime he wove baskets from palm branches and made his living that way. He was born around 251 in Egypt. The saint spent 20 years of his life in complete solitude in the desert. He was also a healer, spending hours talking to the sick and suffering who came to him. That is why this day is also designated as protection against bad diseases. People believed that Athanasius chased away madness, but it was not always enough. Anthony the Great had the gift of miracles and foresight and managed to make many people see the Christian faith. He died at the age of 105 on January 17, 356. He was buried in a secret place, but his relics were discovered and solemnly transferred to Vienna. The saint came to the conclusion that only love for one's neighbor can defeat the demons within us and around us and declared: "I am no longer afraid of God - I love Him!".

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

As on every holiday, no work is done on this day. The people believe that Anton and Atanas are two brothers, the inventors of blacksmith tongs. That is why they are considered the patrons of ironworkers, blacksmiths, farriers and grinders. Women should not knit, spin, or cook legumes - beans or lentils. If they do not observe the prohibition, they will anger the plague, smallpox and smallpox - diseases to which people have given human form. The food for the holiday, which the women prepare, is soda cakes, spread with honey, which they distribute to relatives and neighbors for health. One of the cakes is left on the attic for the "aunt" or "white one". This is how they called the plague, which they propitiated by giving honey bread. Pork is a must for the table on this holiday: roast, ribs with cabbage, lukanka, etc. The ritual dishes for the holiday are boiled wheat, banitsa, walnuts, honey and others.

On this day name day celebrate Anton (from Greek – valuable or “who increases the price”), Andon, Andonko, Anto, Anko, Ancho, Tonyu, Toncho, Done, Donko, Doncho; Antonia, Andonia, Antonka, Tona, Tonka, Dona, Donka and others

© 2024 Iliana Dechkova