Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Day of Saint Sylvester or Karamanovden

published on 1/2/24 10:48 AM

Photo: archive

The Orthodox church marks the day of Saint Sylvester today. A Roman Pope, who lived in the 3rd-4th century, and who, according to legend baptized Emperor Constantine I the Great and converted him to Christianity.

In folklore belief, Saint Sylvester is the patron saint of animals, and more specifically cattle. The feast day is also known as Karamanovden, Ox Day, Sylvestri. Rituals on this day are connected with cleansing – cleaning out the manure from the stables which have not been cleaned since Christmas. On the night before Karamanovden, the young men who went carol singing at Christmas, now make the rounds of the houses in the village where there is cattle and draft animals in twos or threes.

In the region of the Western Rhodopes the day goes by the name of Spolezov, and, similar to the tradition on St. Ignatius Day, Ignazhden (20 December), it is very important who the first person entering the home will be. The guest should be a good person and wealthy so the year will be good and prosperous. The meal on this day should not include pork or bacon – it is believed this will keep the farm animals healthy.

Find out more about the traditions, rituals and songs connected with this day:

Day of St. Sylvester – folk customs and beliefs

On our part, we would like to wish a happy name day to all people called Sylvester, Sylvia, Silvana, Seraphim, Goran, Goritsa!

Editing by Elena Karkalanova

Translated and posted by Milena Daynova

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

Radio Bulgaria Folklore cattle farm animals Karamanovden Saint Sylvester

More from category

Zahari Stoyanov Youth Center in Dobrich

Folklore meeting in Bulgaria's Dobrich brings together different communities for the International Day of Tolerance

The Youth Centre "Zahari Stoyanov" in the town of Dobrich, Northeastern Bulgaria, is organizing a folklore meeting of communities on the occasion of the International Day of Tolerance. The aim of the event, which will take place from today to 17..

published on 11/15/24 6:10 AM

Bulgarian dance group Vito Horo takes part in multicultural women’s festival Harmony of Colours in Perth

The Bulgarian folklore dance group Vito Horo from Perth will take part in the multicultural women’s festival Harmony of Colours, taking place tonight in the Australian city, the Bulgarian association Rodina has announced. Besides the Bulgarian..

published on 10/12/24 11:54 AM

Urban aesthetics and maritime livelihood – life in the ancient city of Anhialo

The resort towns along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast can be broadly categorized into two types: modern ones, characterized by their lively and colorful streets, and port cities with a rich history. Various settlers have passed through these port towns,..

published on 9/2/24 8:25 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Mostly Cloudy
Min: -4 | Max: 16

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking