BLAGOVETS - on the spring equinox/ Annunciation - March 25

From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" In the past Along with the Christian holiday of the Annunciation, which is on March 25, Bulgarians also celebrate the folklore holiday of Blagovets. It is a movable holiday because it refers to the vernal equinox, which is on a different date astronomically each year. This year, day and night are equal at 20...

The symbolism in our folk art - WINE

"Once upon a time - customs and worldview of the Bulgarians" Wine There is hardly another drink that carries as much symbolism as red wine. Since ancient times, wine has been a sacred drink that was available to a select few. Wine is a symbol of blood and life. Viticulture in our lands developed very well, and even ...

ST. HARALAMPI - Chuminden - February 10

From "Once upon a time - customs and worldview of the Bulgarians" In folk beliefs, St. Haralampi is the patron saint of the disease that in the past claimed thousands of victims - the plague. In the past, to appease the saint, Bulgarians worshiped him mainly in Northern and Eastern Bulgaria, and today he is preserved in the vicinity of the town of Elena. He is known …

RUSALII

From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" Pagans In folk customs there are beliefs about the existence of goblins, vampires, karakonjuli, werewolves, mermaids and nymphs - all creatures from the other world. Some of them were considered to be very dangerous, especially during the so-called Pagan or Dirty days - from Christmas to Epiphany, ...

WOLF HOLIDAYS

From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians", the proto-Bulgarians, unlike many other peoples, believed in one God. It was called Tangra or Tengri. The people were distinguished by high spiritual and material culture. In this one god they gathered everything - heaven and earth, sun, water and fire. At the same time strongly…

THURSDAY – February 2

From “Once upon a time – customs and worldview of the Bulgarians” The Legends Every year on February 2nd, Petlyovden is celebrated. In the past, the Bulgarian people celebrated it as a special day – a holiday for boys. There are parallel legends about this day. In both traditions, the day is dedicated to the preservation and preservation of male offspring. In the old days, during …

TRIPHON ZAREZAN – a celebration of wine

A holiday of winegrowers and wine in older times, and today a holiday of love. According to the old style, it is celebrated on February 1, but most people celebrate Tryphon Zarezan on February 14. Since the time of the Thracians, viticulture and winemaking have been developing in our lands. The Thracians called the patron god of wine and winegrowers Sabazius or Dionysus. …

Construction of a new house

From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" "My home - my fortress" - we have all heard this phrase. But what exactly did it mean to the old Bulgarians? Home was not just a building. Even today it is a place filled with love, comfort and peace. Building a home was a sacred act for…

THE HUMAN SACRIFICE - A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY IN THE PAST

From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" Many legends tell about embedded people or shadows in the foundations of construction. People thought that this way the construction would be strong and would last a long time. One of the most famous is sung in the folk song for the installation of master Manolo's wife Nevyana. The song tells…

Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians - interview

Interview with Iliana Dechkova 25.08.2020 - Briefly introduce yourself to our readers. My name is Iliana Dechkova Dimitrova, 42 years old. I live in Aksakovo, a small town near Varna. I am an economist, teacher and translator by profession. I am married with two grown children. - Your first book was recently published - "Once upon a time". Morals and blasphemy of the Bulgarians". What…