In traditional Bulgarian culture fire plays an important role – not only in patriarchal life but also as part of many rituals and feasts. According to popular belief fire had the magical power to purify and to protect, to keep sickness and evil spirits at bay.
Spring fires are part of the tradition on Cheesefare Sunday which falls on the last Sunday before the start of Lent. Most often they were big bonfires, lit at dusk on high ground around the villages. Children and adults would leap over them – for health and to keep fleas away. It was believed that there would be no hail in summer in the places lit up by the light of Cheesefare Sunday fires.
Find out more about fire in traditional Bulgarian culture HERE
Compiled by Albena Bezovska
Photos : BGNES
On December 20, we pay homage to the holy martyr Ignatius the God-bearer. According to the holy books, Ignatius was the child mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. The evangelist describes the dispute between Christ's apostles about who among them..
Andrew the Apostle, known in the Orthodox tradition as the First Called ( Parvozvani ) is among the most revered saints in Bulgaria and November 30 is a major holiday. According to researchers, the apostle preached Christianity in the..
"Don't promise me anything for tomorrow, today I already cherish every minute... I want a flower – only one, but now... Because tomorrow starts from today...". This is an excerpt from the popular pop song from the 1990s "Tomorrow starts from today". An..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly cloudy, chance of rain
Partly Cloudy
Partly cloudy, chance of snow