Text size

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

published on 12/4/24 6:05 AM

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.

Read also:

The December series of holidays starts with the days of Saints Barbara, Sava and Nicholas

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria History and religion Bulgarian Orthodox Church Saint Varvara

More from category

Tracing Albanian ancestry in the Arbanasi architectural reserve

The Arbanasi architectural reserve near Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most popular tourist destinations . The medieval monasteries and churches, including the Church of the Nativity, are particularly attractive. The churches of Arbanasi are museum sites..

published on 12/27/24 8:55 AM

St. Stephen – the first Christian martyr

On the third day of Christmas, December 27, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His name means "crown" or "wreath" and comes from the Greek "στέφανος" (stéphanos). It symbolizes victory..

published on 12/27/24 5:10 AM

Hannukah celebration in the central Sofia synagogue

From December 25 to January 2, Jewish people in Bulgaria and around the world will light Hanukkah candles

At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December. By lighting 9..

published on 12/25/24 10:35 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Mostly Cloudy
Min: -5 | Max: 5

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

147 years since the liberation of Sofia

The fighting for Sofia within the framework of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) began on December 25, 1877. On January 3, 1878, the city's commandant..

published on 1/4/25 6:30 AM

Share