In traditional Bulgarian culture fire plays an important role – not only in patriarchal life but also as part of many rituals and feasts. According to popular belief fire had the magical power to purify and to protect, to keep sickness and evil spirits at bay.
Spring fires are part of the tradition on Cheesefare Sunday which falls on the last Sunday before the start of Lent. Most often they were big bonfires, lit at dusk on high ground around the villages. Children and adults would leap over them – for health and to keep fleas away. It was believed that there would be no hail in summer in the places lit up by the light of Cheesefare Sunday fires.
Find out more about fire in traditional Bulgarian culture HERE
Compiled by Albena Bezovska
Photos : BGNES
On October 19, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the memory of the humble hermit from the Rila mountain and heavenly patron of the Bulgarian people and Bulgarian doctors. Called "an earthly angel" and "a heavenly inhabitant" during his lifetime,..
On the sixth day after the beginning of the summer fasting dedicated to the Theotokos, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord, one of the twelve feasts of the Lord . And as the Bulgarian tradition dictates, the church..
The goreshtnitsi – dog days, the hottest days of summer in Bulgaria fall on 15, 16 and 17 July. Their roots go back to pagan times and are connected with the cult of fire. The tradition of goreshtnitsi is observed mostly in Northern and..
Overcast, rain
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Rain