December 4 is the church holiday of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara, celebrated by both Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Barbara was a girl from a noble family, beheaded for her Christian faith at the beginning of the 4th century. There is a belief that from Varvara to Ignatius the day "rises" like a needle's tip. It also "rises" from Ignacius to Vasil (from December 20 to January 1). On Varvara, day and night meet and become equal. The holiday is also called Varvaritsa, Varvarinden or Women's Christmas.
In traditional representations, Varvara is the patroness of children's diseases, and above all, smallpox, called by our people by taboo names: grandmother, aunt, sweet and honeyed. An evil, toothless and ugly grandmother - the image of the disease "paints" Varvara's portrait as well. In order to propitiate Baba Sharka (grandma Smallpox) and divert her from the children, the women prepared a ritual stew in which they put various wheat and bean seeds. They call it "varvara". Sweetened with honey, this stew is given to children, and also to neighbors and relatives. There is a belief that throughout the day the children should jump so that Varvara does not find them.
The first day of January is a day filled with emotions and joyful anticipation of a prosperous year in which all family members will be healthy and will make all their dreams come true. In the traditional Bulgarian calendar, 1 January is known as..
On the first day of the incoming 2025, the small town of Razlog in the Pirin Mountain will wake up to the sound of bells, zurnas and drums . Traditionally, the colorful Kukeri festival "Starchevata" will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the central square..
Every holiday has its own flavour, its own 'clothes' and its own tunes. Christmas is no different. "Little is known about traditional Bulgarian carols and their purpose, little is said, and even the wrong things are said. But the most important thing is..
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