Text size

Bulgarians mark the feast of Saint Varvara also known as Women's Christmas

published on 12/4/24 6:05 AM

Icon to Saint Varvara

Photo: Archive

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the holy great martyr Varvara - a maiden from a noble family, beheaded for her Christian faith at the beginning of the 4th century.

The day is also called Women's Christmas. This name comes from a custom in the central part of Western Bulgaria, according to which disguised maidens and younger girls with bags slung over their shoulders go around the houses and sing songs of blessings with wishes for health and fertility, and the owners give them gifts.

The tradition resembles the custom of the carol singers (koledari), which, however, is performed only by boys and young men.

Bulgarians in the past used to say that on Saint Varvara's Day the day and night find each other, i.e. they become equal.

Read also:

The December series of holidays starts with the days of Saints Barbara, Sava and Nicholas

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Bulgarian Orthodox Church Saint Varvara

More from category

Bulgaria marks 35 years since the fall of communism

On November 10, 1989, a plenum of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party ousted its General Secretary and Chairman of the State Council, Todor Zhivkov. This marked the symbolic beginning of the transition from a one-party system to..

published on 11/10/24 11:18 AM

Archaeologists have discovered intriguing finds in the Kavatsi area near Sozopol

Archaeologists have explored a necropolis in the Kavatsi area near Sozopol. The perimeter in which it is located is part of the history of Apollonia Pontica and is dated to the 4th century BC. "This is a site with interesting burials in which a nuance..

published on 11/10/24 10:05 AM

Dr. Petar Beron speaks about the first steps of the Bulgarian transition and democracy today

On November 10, 1989, at a plenum of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party, Todor Zhivkov was removed from the position of General Secretary - the highest position in the party and the state. What happened at the..

published on 11/10/24 6:45 AM