Palm Sunday, Tsvetnitsa in Bulgarian (the word comes from tsvete, flower) is a Christian holiday loved and looked forward to by many, commemorating the Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is a moveable feast, always falling on the Sunday preceding Easter.
On this day, as he enters the holy city Christ is welcomed by the crowd with palm, olive and laurel branches, hence the name Palm Sunday, or Tsvetnitsa or Vrabnitsa (from varba, willow) in Christian Orthodoxy. The willow twigs are blessed in church, and then taken home for health.
People who observe Lent are allowed fish. The following day marks the start of Holy Week - the last days in the life of Jesus Christ when he takes upon himself all sins of the human race to redeem them.
The religious symbols and rituals aside, Palm Sunday is also a very personal day for all Bulgarians with names meaning flowers. In this country, there are more than 360,000 people who will be celebrating their name day today with friends and family, and wishing one another health and prosperity.
Compiled by Yoan Kolev
Translated from the Bulgarian and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: BTA, BGNES
"Don't promise me anything for tomorrow, today I already cherish every minute... I want a flower – only one, but now... Because tomorrow starts from today...". This is an excerpt from the popular pop song from the 1990s "Tomorrow starts from today". An..
They are called the “awakeners/enlighteners” of the nations because they awaken the Bulgarian spirit and the sense of national pride. They kindle the spark of self-awareness and community belonging, instil faith, drive away discouragement in order to..
Saint Petka was born in the XI century in the town of Epibat, on the Sea of Marmara, not far from Constantinople, in a rich Bulgarian family, we learn from the saint's biography. She led a pious life, following Christ's command of love and mercy to..
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy