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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

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Radio Bulgaria Folklore cattle farm animals Karamanovden Saint Sylvester

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