Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The apron – a characteristic accessory of Bulgarian women in the past

Photo: Ani Petrova

Once upon a time, the Bulgarian woman used to make her own clothes, choosing the materials, colours and elements, and the apron was a kind of a “introduction card”. It could be used to tell which place the woman was from, how wealthy she was, whether she was a widow or looking for marriage. And the colour of the apron even could reveal the age of its owner.

The types of traditional Bulgarian aprons strike with their variety – special ones for bachelorettes and brides, worn one year after the wedding, worn until the birth of the first child, for widows, etc. They are decorated with beads, coins, tassels, lace and each element on them has its own symbolism and meaning.

Toma Belev reveals about the vast world of this part of the traditional Bulgarian clothing and about his collection of over 300 traditional aprons in the publication of Radio Bulgaria Toma Belev’s magnificent collection of 19th-20th century aprons.

Editor: Dessislava Semkovska



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Celebrating the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in “The Seven Thrones” Monastery

On September 8, when the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nativity of the Holy Theotokos), we take a look at the beautiful valley of Gabrovnitsa River and the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos, better..

published on 9/8/22 1:41 PM

Shipka Peak is synonymous with Bulgaria and its freedom

Bulgaria is celebrating 145 years of the Shipka Peak epopee - the heroic six-day epic battle in which the native defenders proved that freedom is not a gift, but was won with the blood and sacrifice of thousands of Bulgarians. The Balkan peak of Saint..

published on 8/20/22 5:35 AM

The White Brotherhood dances with the sun on the Seven Rila Lakes

Hundreds of people in white, lined up in a concentric circles, dancing and welcoming the rising sun - this unforgettable sight will be witnessed by everyone who visits the Seven Rila Lakes on August 19. The ritual is called Paneurhythmy and through it..

published on 8/19/22 6:00 AM