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Bulgarians mark the feast of Saint Varvara also known as Women's Christmas

Icon to Saint Varvara
Photo: Archive

Today, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honors the holy great martyr Varvara - a maiden from a noble family, beheaded for her Christian faith at the beginning of the 4th century. 

The day is also called Women's Christmas. This name comes from a custom in the central part of Western Bulgaria, according to which disguised maidens and younger girls with bags slung over their shoulders go around the houses and sing songs of blessings with wishes for health and fertility, and the owners give them gifts. 

The tradition resembles the custom of the carol singers (koledari), which, however, is performed only by boys and young men. 

Bulgarians in the past used to say that on Saint Varvara's Day the day and night find each other, i.e. they become equal.

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Radio Bulgaria History and religion    Bulgarian Orthodox Church Saint Varvara

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