St. Antony the Great is also the patron of basket makers, because during his lifetime he wove baskets from palm branches and thus earned his living. He was born about 251 in Egypt. 20 years of his life the saint spent in complete seclusion in the desert. He was also a healer, he talked for hours with the sick and...
The cookers
Kukeri are Bulgarian ritual carnival figures, men predestined as beasts or as the typical characters: the grandmother, the grandfather, the publican, the king). Their main purpose is to ward off evil forces. They are also called chaushis, babugers, stanchinaris, dervishes, old men, saturs or jamalars. The games are performed only by men, mostly bachelors. These evil chasers perform their New Year's rituals...
IGNAZHDAY – December 20
According to the proto-Bulgarian calendar, this is the single day, which is not included in any of the months. It is considered the beginning of the new year. The day marks the winter solstice, when the day is shortest and the night is longest. In the distant past, this astronomical phenomenon occurred around December 20. In 2023, the winter solstice falls on …
Public holidays in November
From “Once Upon a Time – Customs and Worldview of the Bulgarians” The month of November is filled with folk and church holidays. The agricultural year is over, people have harvested their crops and it is time to indulge in a well-deserved rest. ST. ARCHANGEL MICHAEL – November 8 According to the Bible, Archangel Michael is the chief angel of God. He guards the body of …
Nestinarstvo - customs and symbolism
From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" (see in the Shop) Nesting - the Bulgarian phenomenon The roots of this typical Bulgarian custom can be traced back to the times of paganism. The history of chimney making can be traced all the way back to the Thracians. Our ancient ancestors worshiped the Sun as a god and believed in immortality. Considers…
Прочети цялата публикация →„Нестинарство- обичаи и символика“
Midsummer - June 20 - 24 - summer solstice
From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" (see in the Shop) What are we celebrating? June 24 is a double holiday - national and Christian. On this date, the Christian Church celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist, who came to this world a few years before Jesus Christ and paved the way for his teachings. He begins the conversion...
Прочети цялата публикация →„Еньовден – 20 – 24 юни – лятно слънцестоене“
The symbolism in our folk art is FIRE
From the Once Upon a Time Oracle The primary symbolism of fire in many religions and folk beliefs is associated with purification and sanctification. Fire has a double meaning. It can warm and glow, but it can also burn and destroy. It is the only element that a person can obtain on his own, which is proof of his birth...
Прочети цялата публикация →„Символиката в народното ни творчество – ОГЪНЯТ“
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 ...
Прочети цялата публикация →„Символиката в народното ни творчество – ВИНОТО“
COUNTING TIME IN THE OLD BULGARIANS - part 2
From "Once upon a time - manners and worldview of the Bulgarians" III. And how did the ancient Bulgarians keep track of time? And children today know that the Proto-Bulgarian calendar is globally recognized. In 1976, UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) announced the ancient Bulgarian calendar as the most accurate in the world. Scientists are amazed at the accuracy with which…
Прочети цялата публикация →„ОТБРОЯВАНЕ НА ВРЕМЕТО У СТАРИТЕ БЪЛГАРИ – част 2“
BABINDEN – January 8/ 21
Midwives' Day A celebration of women who in the past helped give birth. Many rites are performed on this day, which symbolize honor and respect for the midwives of the past. Mothers of children up to three years old, even before the sun rises, go to the fountain or spring to pour clean water. In the vessel in which they necessarily pour...