Text size

Bulgarians celebrate Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - the male holiday for fertility

published on 2/2/24 5:05 AM

Photo: BGNES

On February 2, according to the Bulgarian folk calendar, it is Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - a day dedicated to the health and fertility of male offspring. It is most widely popular in Eastern Bulgaria.

One of the obligatory elements is the sacrifice of a rooster. It is performed by women, mothers of male children, or by a boy who has not reached sexual maturity (called a "petelar"). In some settlements, the sacrificial bird must be black in color. The mother or peterel performs the sacrifice on the threshold of the road gate.

A sign of the cross is also made with blood on the faces of the boys, on the doors of the home. The mothers give pieces from the cooked rooster to neighbours, along with pieces of pita bread.

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

Radio Bulgaria Folklore Bulgarian folk traditions folk calendar Petlyovden Rooster Day

More from category

Why is it important for each lazarka girl to participate in the ritual kumichene on Palm Sunday?

In the Bulgarian folk tradition, the feasts of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday are related holidays. From Lazarus Saturday (Lazarovden in Bulgaria), girls prepare for the ritual kumichene, which is performed on the morning of Palm Sunday. A very old..

published on 4/13/25 11:56 AM

The Strelcha Museum presents the exhibition "A Fine Easter, a Finer St. George’s Day".

In April and May the visitors of the Strelcha Historical Museum will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions connected with the Easter holiday cycle through the exhibition A Fine Easter, a Finer St. George’s Day . Easter..

published on 4/13/25 7:50 AM

"Lazaruvane" - a rite symbolising a girl's "coming of age".

Lazarus Saturday is widely known in Bulgaria as Lazarovden , celebrated by Orthodox Bulgarians on the day before Palm Sunday. The main rite is the lazaruvane - a traditional custom centred on themes of love and marriage. Girls over the age of 16,..

published on 4/12/25 7:30 AM