Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

On Ivanovden, residents of Alvanovo reenact the custom "Bathing the Sons-in-Law"

Photo: BTA

On Ivanovden, the village of Alvanovo (Northeastern Bulgaria) observes the custom called "Bathing the Sons-in-Law". The ritual is performed for health and prosperity of young couples who got married in the past year, reported BTA, referring to Valya Dineva, who was born in the village.

The celebration begins with a ritual bathing of the bride by the mother-in-law, neighbors, relatives and close friends of the young couple. This is done over a rosebush using holy water to ensure that the bride remains healthy and beautiful, and that she will bear strong and beautiful children. Afterwards, the search for the son-in-law begins, as he is obliged to hide from his friends. The ritual is always accompanied by music. When the son-in-law is found, a horo chain dance is performed in front of his house, and everyone heads to the village fountain. There, in the village square, the son-in-law tries to escape again. The young son-in-law is dipped in all the tubs at the fountain, with the last bath taking place in the largest tub, where he tries to splash water on everyone around him. The day ends with a festive meal at the young couple's home.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

From watermelon madjun to Dervishovden - Bulgaria's newest Living Human Treasures 

Eight authentic Bulgarian traditions and skills, passed down through generations, have been added to the National Representative List of Bulgarian Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,  becoming part of Bulgaria's Living Human Treasures.  "This..

published on 12/11/24 8:25 AM
Photo:

The secrets of white halva and how a dessert preserves old Bulgarian customs

Halva, this sweet temptation with an oriental twist, is a welcome delicacy on the Bulgarian table, especially on holidays. Judging by the descriptions of Western travellers, halva was a common dessert in Bulgarian lands as early as the 16th century. The..

published on 11/27/24 3:25 PM
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