As of the day of St. Andrew (Andreevden) the day begins to grow by one millet grain a day

Today the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called with liturgies held in churches across the country.

The saint, who was the first among the apostles to have been called by Jesus Christ witnessed his miracles, his death and his resurrection. In the Bulgarian lands St. Peter’s brother – St. Andrew is highly revered and often chosen as the patron saint of the family.

In popular belief it is said that as of the day of St. Andrew the day begins to grow by one millet grain a day, that is why in some parts of the country it goes by the name of Edrey, Edrevden, from “edur”, big.

On this day ritual loaves are baked and cereals and pulses which swell are put on the table – like lentils, peas, wheat – so that everything may grow during the year. In folklore beliefs St. Andrew is connected with bears – the biggest predators living in Bulgaria’s forests.

Read more about the St. Andrew’s Day legends, beliefs, customs here.