St. Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria are revered by the church, but according to popular legends, St. Athanasius is the lord of ice and snow. Dressed in a silk shirt, he goes to the mountains on his white horse and utters the words: "Go away, winter, come, summer!". That is why the holiday is also known as Midwinter.
You can read more about our holidays and customs in the collection
Folklore collection "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians"
Athanasovden, like Antonovden, is traditionally celebrated by blacksmiths, ironsmiths, cutlers and nalbants, but along with that it is also a holiday in honor of smallpox and the plague. People believed that in order for the disease to show mercy, loaves should be baked, which should be poked with holes with a fork, so that smallpox children would not "get holes". Women observe the same prohibitions marking Antonov's Day. On Athanasovden, a hen or black chicken is slaughtered, cooked with rice and served to neighbors and relatives so that they will not be overtaken by diseases. Feathers are believed to have healing powers and are therefore kept. It is also customary for bachelors and bachelors to go out into the meadow, tie swings and play choruses, singing.
© 2024 Iliana Dechkova