21 January (old style, its new style date is on 8 January) is marked in Bulgarian tradition as Babinden (Granny’s or Midwives’ Day), day of maternity care. It is a major traditional feast day dedicated to the women who once assisted during childbirth. The rituals performed on this day are a token of respect for the “grannies” who helped bring children into this world.

In olden times, before daybreak, mothers would take their babies to the water fountain for fresh water, into which they would drop sprigs of geranium. They would then take a bar of soap, a towel and the water to the home of the “granny” and pour of the water for her to wash her hands. This was done under a fruit tree in the garden, on the chopping block or at the foot of the staircase. The woman would then gift the “granny” with the towel. The “granny” would give the mother a posy of geranium, tied together with a martenitsa -  a red and white thread. In some parts of the country mothers would take their children to the “granny” to obtain her blessing until they turned three.