On February 10, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Charalambos the Wonder Worker, Bishop of Magnesia. The legend has it that St. Charalambos is a patron saint of honey and beekeepers and protects people from illnesses. The saint healed his wounds with honey after he was tortured mercilessly in a dungeon.

On this day, honey is sanctified at the Christian temples. The devotees take the honey home and use it as a medicine against measles, rashes and other diseases throughout the year. People hand out pita bread glazed with honey for sound health. Beekeepers in Bulgaria celebrate their professional holiday on February 10.