Today, Orthodox Bulgarians celebrate the Day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The day is called Petrovden by people in this country. Different in character and fate, Peter and Paul were among the greatest creators of a new civilization based on Christianity. Peter was an ordinary fisherman from Galilee, one of the first to disciples of Jesus. Paul had been persecutor of Christians but he was converted after Jesus appeared in front of him on his way to Damascus. Both Peter and Paul were killed in persecutions against Christians during the time of Emperor Nero (64-68).
The holiday is particularly popular among Bulgarian population. It symbolizes the great rise of nature and life at the beginning of the actual summer, which usually begins in Bulgaria at the end of June. Petrovden was often held in the days of harvest and that is why it is allowed to work for half a day during the holiday.
Traditionally, Bulgarians see St. Peter as a good-natured old man who holds the keys of the doors to Heaven and lets the righteous souls enter it. In folk beliefs St. Paul is presented as a stricter, even harsh man. In the past in some areas of eastern Bulgaria the holiday had a continuation with a day under the name Pavlyovden. No fires were lit on this day in order to appease the holy saint, who might send fires. These, of course are folk beliefs that are far away from the Christian notion of St. Paul and are just a renamed pagan custom, linked to the hope that no fire would burn the wheat crop.
People’s love for Petrovden is evident from many customs related to the feast. Most often a dish is made from the first chicken hatched during the year, preferably a young rooster. Often people celebrate with a common meal for all, eaten in fields.
In some mountain areas, Petrovden is also celebrated as a shepherd's day. Farmers also bring to church ripe apples. Today is officially a day of artisans and craftsmen and it is also the official celebration of a number of Bulgarian towns like Belogradchik, Etropole, Lyaskovets, Pavlikeni, Svoge and others.
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