Today the Bulgarian Orthodox church marks the Transfiguration of the Lord. On this day, according to the Holy Writ, Jesus Christ was transformed and appeared to three of his apostles in all his celestial glory, to strengthen their faith in his divine origin.
According to the Bulgarian folklore calendar, Transfiguration Day marks a change in nature when the sun turns its back on summer to face winter and storks start to flock together before flying South. In popular belief this is the day when the skies open up and anyone who sees this shall have their wishes fulfilled. New grapes and other kinds of fruit are blessed on this day; if anyone is ill, dried fruit are soaked in water, the patient drinks of the water and the disease is “transformed”.