Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The apron – a characteristic accessory of Bulgarian women in the past

Photo: Ani Petrova

Once upon a time, the Bulgarian woman used to make her own clothes, choosing the materials, colours and elements, and the apron was a kind of a “introduction card”. It could be used to tell which place the woman was from, how wealthy she was, whether she was a widow or looking for marriage. And the colour of the apron even could reveal the age of its owner.

The types of traditional Bulgarian aprons strike with their variety – special ones for bachelorettes and brides, worn one year after the wedding, worn until the birth of the first child, for widows, etc. They are decorated with beads, coins, tassels, lace and each element on them has its own symbolism and meaning.

Toma Belev reveals about the vast world of this part of the traditional Bulgarian clothing and about his collection of over 300 traditional aprons in the publication of Radio Bulgaria Toma Belev’s magnificent collection of 19th-20th century aprons.

Editor: Dessislava Semkovska



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The Day of National Enlighteners continues to remind us of the meaning of spirituality and Bulgarian national identity

They are called the “awakeners/enlighteners” of the nations because they awaken the Bulgarian spirit and the sense of national pride. They kindle the spark of self-awareness and community belonging, instil faith, drive away discouragement in order to..

published on 11/1/22 10:18 AM

Celebrating the Day of St. Petka of Bulgaria

Saint Petka was born in the XI century in the town of Epibat, on the Sea of Marmara, not far from Constantinople, in a rich Bulgarian family, we learn from the saint's biography. She led a pious life, following Christ's command of love and mercy to..

published on 10/14/22 5:35 AM

The Independence Anthem of 1908

Today we recall the Independence Anthem, created on the very day Bulgaria's independence was solemnly announced in Veliko Tarnovo. The whole country is celebrating, and in our Black Sea city Burgas, this marching song is being played for the first time...

published on 9/22/22 9:05 AM