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Bessarabian Bulgarians celebrate the New Year according to old calendar

published on 1/14/21 7:05 AM

Photo: Library

The Bessarabian Bulgarians in Taraclia celebrate the New Year on January 14 according to the old Julian calendar. They observe an unusual ritual for Moldova - that of mummer's dances. According to beliefs, mummers are mythical creatures who drive away evil spirits on January 13 with performances of their ritual going from house to house. The ancient rite came to Moldova from Bulgaria.

On the eve of the New Year in the old style and on January 14th until noon children will go in groups of "survakari" from house to house to perform the "survakane" ritual for health and prosperity, BTA reported.

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Radio Bulgaria News Bessarabian Bulgarians Moldova Taraclia

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