01/12/2019
FOR THOSE WHO WNAT`S TO DISCOVER
🇧🇬 🇧🇬 🇧🇬 🇧🇬 🇧🇬 🇧🇬 🇧🇬 SOFIA, BULGARIA
🌲🎊🎀🎉 5 Bulgarian Christmas facts and traditions
☃️❄️It is winter, and for the Bulgarians, it is time to celebrate.
Back in the day when most Bulgarians were dealing with agriculture and livestock breeding, there was a lot of free time in winter. In those times, winter would start with Dimitrovden (St Dimitar’s Day) and end with Gergiovden (St. George’s day). During this time of year, we celebrate tons of days dedicated to saints, name days, and of course, Christmas.
Christmas is one of the most loved holidays in Bulgaria and a time when families get together. In Bulgaria, just like everywhere else around the globe, the Christmas spirit is here, and we are ready to celebrate. Here are some of the most popular facts and traditions about Christmas in Bulgaria:
✅1. We celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December.
Bulgarians are mainly Eastern Orthodox, but we follow the Gregorian calendar, and for us, Christmas is on the 25th of December. Other Eastern Orthodox countries like Russia or Serbia, for example, celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January.
✅2. Christmas in Bulgaria lasts three days!
Starting on the 25th, when we believe Jesus Christ was born. Тhe following two days, we honor the people who carry the names Hristo, Hristina, and Joseph (Josif) on the 26th and people with the names Stefan, Stoyan, Stefka on the 27 th.
✅3. Christmas follows the last day of the fasts – the 24th or Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, we eat only vegan dishes (just like during the fasts), and they have to be an odd number. We prepare delicious things like stuffed peppers with rice or beans, grape leaves stuffed with rice, pumpkin dishes, and traditional bread. The bread usually contains fortunes, which will reveal what the next year holds for each member of the family. After dinner is finished, we do not put away the dishes. They stay on the table for the whole night.
✅4. After Christmas Eve dinner at about 12 o’clock, another tradition takes place in Bulgaria – Koleduvane.
Koleduvane is a ritual, which happens at midnight on the 24th of December. After it is done, we know that Christmas is here, and Jesus Christ was born. Only young and single men are allowed to take part in "Koleduvane." They gather in the house of the man leading the group all dressed up in unique clothes. Once they are all together, they start going from house to house singing Christmas carols.
✅5. Christmas in Bulgaria is usually spent with family and loved ones.
Of course, we have a tree and presents, which is the most exciting part of еverybody. On Christmas day, after everyone has received their gift, we usually get together for a family meal. This would contain meat, and traditionally this would be pork. However, nowadays, there is more variety.
🤩Now you know the Bulgarians a little bit better. 🙂 We have unusual customs and traditions, and most of them we keep alive. You will learn a lot more about the way we celebrate if you join us and visit Sofia at this time of the year.
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