Бъдни вечер in Bulgaria
Бъдни вечер is a holiday in Bulgaria.
When is Бъдни вечер in Bulgaria
Бъдни вечер is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Bulgaria.
About Бъдни вечер in Bulgaria
Бъдни вечер (Budni vecher) is a traditional Bulgarian holiday that takes place on the evening of January 6th, also known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day. It is a religious holiday that marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the New Year.
On this day, Bulgarians gather with their families to celebrate and enjoy a traditional meal. The meal typically includes dishes such as roasted pork, stuffed peppers, and banitsa (a type of pastry filled with cheese or spinach).
During the evening, families also light candles and sing traditional songs, while children go caroling from house to house. In some regions of Bulgaria, people also perform a traditional dance called the Horo, which is a circle dance that symbolizes unity and togetherness.
One of the most important traditions of Бъдни вечер is the blessing of the waters, which takes place in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Priests bless the water by throwing a cross into the water, and young men brave the cold temperatures to retrieve it. It is believed that the person who retrieves the cross will have good luck and health throughout the year.
Overall, Бъдни вечер is a time for Bulgarians to come together with their families and celebrate the beginning of a new year with traditional food, music, and customs.
History of Бъдни вечер in Bulgaria
Бъдни вечер (Budni vecher) is a holiday celebrated in Bulgaria on January 6th, the day before Orthodox Christmas. It is also known as Christmas Eve or Badni veche.
The holiday has its roots in ancient pagan traditions, which were later adopted and adapted by the Christian church. In pagan times, the winter solstice was celebrated as the rebirth of the sun and the beginning of a new year. People would light fires, make offerings to the gods, and exchange gifts.
When Christianity became the dominant religion in Bulgaria, the pagan traditions were incorporated into the new Christian holiday. Today, Budni vecher is a time for families to gather together and share a meal, usually consisting of vegetarian dishes such as beans, lentils, and walnuts. The meal is traditionally prepared by the women of the family, and is eaten after the first star appears in the sky.
After the meal, the family may attend a midnight church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In some parts of Bulgaria, it is customary to take a branch from a fruit tree and place it in water, in the hopes that it will bloom by Christmas Day.
Overall, Budni vecher is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. It is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and the spiritual values that underpin Bulgarian culture.
How is Бъдни вечер celebrated in Bulgaria
Бъдни вечер (Budni vecher) is celebrated in Bulgaria as Christmas Eve, which is one of the most important holidays in the country. Here are some ways in which Bulgarians celebrate Бъдни вечер:
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Fasting: Many Bulgarians fast during the day of Бъдни вечер as a way of purifying themselves before the big feast.
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Christmas Eve dinner: The main event of Бъдни вечер is the Christmas Eve dinner, which is traditionally vegetarian. The meal usually includes dishes such as stuffed peppers, beans, and pumpkin pie.
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Lighting of the Yule log: A Yule log is traditionally burned on Christmas Eve, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household.
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Caroling: Bulgarians go caroling on Бъдни вечер, visiting friends and family and singing traditional Christmas songs.
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Church services: Many Bulgarians attend church services on Бъдни вечер, where they sing hymns and light candles.
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Gift giving: While gift giving is not traditionally associated with Бъдни вечер, many Bulgarians exchange small gifts on this day as a way of celebrating the holiday.
Dates
Бъдни вечер will be celebrated in Bulgaria on 2023-12-24 2024-12-24 2025-12-24 2026-12-24 2027-12-24 in the comming years.
