Bulgarian Christmas Traditions

18
Dec

In Bulgaria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, which is unusual when you look at Bulgaria’s Orthodox history. Most Orthodox countries, such as Ukraine, celebrate Christmas on January 7th. The difference is that Bulgaria uses the Gregorian Calendar to determine Christmas and most of Eastern Europe uses the Julian calendar which is thirteen days behind.

Bulgaria’s Holy Eve (Christmas Eve) is celebrated with a meal that follows after the forty-day Advent fast. It consists of an odd number of dishes including vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. The meal’s bread usually has a hidden coin in it and whoever finds it will have good luck in the following year. The table for the dinner is usually not cleared until the next morning so that it can provide for ancestors who may visit during the night. On Christmas day, the dinner will also include a main dish of meat – typically pork.

Walnuts are also a very important part of Bulgaria’s Christmas tradition. Every person in the family is given one and turns are taken to crack the walnut, thus determining a person’s fortune for the upcoming year. A bad walnut will bring bad luck to the unlucky person who cracks it.

Another belief that is unique to Bulgarian culture is that of the legend of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that Mary was in labor from December 20th until she gave birth on Christmas Eve, but that she waited until Christmas morning to announce his birth. December 20th is the Day of St. Ignazhden. On this day it is tradition that women do not work, to honor the day that Mary began labor.

The Day of St. Ignazhden symbolizes a new beginning. It is believed that it is a good day for predictions. On this day, it is believed that girls may be able to determine who they will marry. The potential bride must complete a series of steps to find her suitor. First, she must pour barley over herself while sitting in a wood shed and repeat, “The one of my luck, may he come to this house and marry me.” Then, she enters the house with the barley in one hand and the splinters in the other. The splinters are then placed by the fireplace, and the barley is placed underneath her pillow. Finally, whatever boy she dreams of that night will determine who will become her husband.

Lastly, on St. Ignazhden, Koledari, or carolers, will travel through the village going from house to house dressed in traditional Bulgarian costume, typically depending on the region of the country. This tradition protects the villagers from evil spirits and for their work, the carolers are rewarded with food.

Whatever the country, or the tradition, it is a great opportunity to celebrate your child’s native culture and to instill in them a sense of pride and connection to their birth country. While my children do not always appreciate it now, I know in the future, these traditions will become a part of what is passed down to their families.

 

Photo Credit: Stella

Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.

Lydia Tarr works as the International Program Director for MLJ Adoptions’ programs in Bulgaria and Ukraine. She is the adoptive mother of four children from Ukraine and was recognized as a 2013 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption Program.