From the Oracle of Once Upon a Time
The wolf
A symbol of nobility and intelligence. In our native folklore, it is rather considered a dangerous enemy that must be appeased. The people still fear the wolf today, which is why the days from February 1 to 3, known as Trifuntsi, are dedicated to it. This name comes from the feast of St. Trifon Zarezan. They are also called Wolf Holidays. No sharp objects are picked up, especially knives and scissors. It is believed that if this prohibition is violated, the wolf will do mischief to the family. In Bulgarian traditions, it is considered a good sign to meet a wolf before your wedding.
The wolf is a symbol of a clear mind, strength, endurance. The wolf is a leader. It can express advice to clear your mind and look at the situation only with your mind, without emotions. Or it is an indicator that you will have enough strength to overcome what is ahead without difficulty.
But the wolf can also indicate treachery, greed, deceit or cruelty, a period of contempt and humiliation. This can mean that you will either be treated badly or it is an indication that you need to rethink your behavior towards others.
The Falcon
The falcon symbolizes the unquenchable desire for victory, which ensures independence and freedom, especially that of the spirit. It expresses courage, lightning-fast action and a thirst for a better life. A symbol of good or bad news. The falcon can also be an advisor - to be more active, not to be afraid to make bold decisions. If the falcon is sick or falling, it portends a loss of vitality or a difficult period.
The horse
The noblest domestic animal. The horse is a typical proto-Bulgarian symbol, a symbol of heaven, freedom and strong and unbridled will. It embodies military bravery, strength, power, fearlessness and glory, which makes it a suitable symbolic gift for boys coming of age.
The ox
Oxen occupy an honorable place in folk life. Without land, a peasant is half a pauper, but without oxen – a complete pauper. The ox is the main helper of man in cultivating the land and earning a living. That is why the peasants honored and protected their oxen. It was a sin to slaughter an ox for a sacrifice. Losing an ox brings great misfortune and misfortune.
The ox is a helper, someone we can rely on for the hard work. Security and stability. Or it shows that you will help someone, that you are the main support or should be one. If it is old and sick or upside down - do not count on help, everyone has turned their back on you.
The rooster
The rooster in the Christian and pre-Christian tradition is a symbol of birth, of a new beginning, of the Sun and the Resurrection. Already in the previous autumn, the father calls the rooster, which will be slaughtered on that day. If there is no boy in the house, the mother brings a rooster to a "male" house, to be slaughtered there for her, so that she too will have a male child and have someone to continue the family. When the rooster is slaughtered, with blood. then the threshold of the house is sprinkled with it and the boy's forehead is smeared for health. On this day, nothing sharp is touched, so that children are not born with scars. The slaughtered animal is cooked - it is baked or boiled whole, in some parts of the country some of it is distributed to neighbors for health. In addition to sprinkling the yard with the blood, the mother also smears the doors to the street. The feathers from the tail are plucked and used for decoration.
A symbol of male energy, strength, potency, health. A symbol of something that will not be lost in time. If it is old, sick or upside down – unstable male energy, health problems, loss of vitality, the end of something.
© 2023 Iliana Dechkova
