Bulgarian traditions

Legend traces the tradition of wearing such bracelets back to Khan Asparuh, the founder of the First Bulgarian Empire. Sometimes little figures made of white and red threads are attached to the ends of the martenitsi — they are called Pizho and Penda.

Martenitsi are worn on the wrist from the first day of spring until the moment you see the first blossoming tree or the first stork arriving from the south. After that you should hang the ornament on the branch of a blossoming fruit tree and make a wish. Another belief says that the martenitsa should be hidden under a stone.

Christian traditions

Since the christianization of Bulgaria, a great many Christian traditions have appeared here. They have much in common with the traditions of Christians in other countries, but they also have their own specific features.

For example, a week before Easter comes Tsvetnitsa (Palm Sunday). On this day willow branches are blessed in church, and are then used to decorate homes and handed out to all acquaintances. On this day people also congratulate men and women with “flower” names.

The day before Tsvetnitsa is Lazarovden (Lazarus Saturday). On this day young women who have already turned 16 perform a special rite — lazaruvane. They dress in special wedding costumes and sing ritual songs, receiving treats and gifts in return. In former times it was customary on this day to ask for the hand of one’s chosen bride.

Easter — Velikden — is widely celebrated in Bulgaria. This day is a public holiday, and people always rest from Friday through Monday inclusive. Traditionally the table is set with pogacha, wine, roast lamb, a sweet bread shaped like an ear of grain — kozunak — and painted eggs.

Gergyovden, St. George’s Day, is called the little Easter. This holiday is celebrated on 6 May, and it is usually associated with rituals meant to ensure a good harvest. On this day people usually hold a meal outdoors, since the climate allows it — a kind of picnic with roast meat, bread and fresh garlic. At the height of the celebration comes the time for songs and dances — the traditional Bulgarian horo.

On 6 December people celebrate Nikulden — St. Nicholas’ Day. On this holiday one should cook a fish with large scales, which symbolize money. Most often carp is prepared. It is recommended to keep a couple of scales so that they attract money.

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