Великден in Bulgaria
Orthodox Easter is a holiday in Bulgaria. Orthodox Easter is called Великден in Bulgaria
When is Orthodox Easter in Bulgaria
Orthodox Easter is celebrated on 16, April, 2023 in Bulgaria.
About Великден in Bulgaria
Великден (Velikden) is the Bulgarian word for Easter, which is one of the most important holidays in the country. Bulgarian Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar, which means that the holiday usually falls on a different date than in the Western world.
The celebration of Великден in Bulgaria is a mix of Christian and pagan traditions. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is marked by various rituals and customs. On Palm Sunday, people carry willow branches and decorate them with flowers, which they then place in their homes to bring good luck. On Maundy Thursday, people dye eggs in preparation for the Easter feast.
The highlight of Великден is the Easter Sunday morning church service, which is followed by a procession around the church. People then gather with their families for a big feast, which usually includes roasted lamb, Easter bread, and red-dyed eggs. The eggs are cracked against each other, and the person with the last uncracked egg is believed to have good luck for the year.
In some parts of Bulgaria, there are also traditional Easter games and competitions, such as egg tapping and egg rolling. These games are meant to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus and the renewal of life.
Overall, Великден is a time of spiritual reflection, family gatherings, and joyous celebration in Bulgaria.
History of Великден in Bulgaria
Великден (Velikden) is the Bulgarian word for Easter, which is one of the most important holidays in the country. The history of Velikden dates back to ancient times when the Thracians, who were the first inhabitants of Bulgaria, celebrated the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
With the arrival of Christianity in Bulgaria in the 9th century, the celebration of Velikden became associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which means that the date of Easter in Bulgaria is usually different from that in Western Europe.
The traditions associated with Velikden are deeply rooted in Bulgarian culture and vary from region to region. One of the most popular traditions is the painting of eggs, which symbolizes new life and the resurrection of Christ. The eggs are usually painted in bright colors and decorated with intricate designs.
Another tradition is the baking of козунак (kozunak), a sweet bread that is typically made with eggs, sugar, and flour. The bread is often shaped like a braid and is decorated with colored eggs.
On the night of Velikden, Bulgarians attend church services and light candles to symbolize the resurrection of Christ. They also participate in a procession around the church, carrying an icon of the Virgin Mary and singing hymns.
The Monday after Velikden is known as Великденовден (Velikdenovden) or Easter Monday. It is a public holiday in Bulgaria and is celebrated with traditional games and activities, such as egg rolling and egg tapping.
In conclusion, Velikden is a significant holiday in Bulgaria that has its roots in ancient pagan traditions and has been adapted to incorporate Christian beliefs. The holiday is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs that are unique to Bulgarian culture.
How is Orthodox Easter celebrated in Bulgaria
Великден (Velikden) or Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Bulgaria. Here are some of the ways it is celebrated:
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Easter Eggs: Bulgarians decorate eggs with various colors and designs. The eggs are then used in various games and activities.
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Easter Bread: A special bread called козунак (kozunak) is baked and eaten during Easter. It is a sweet bread made with milk, sugar, and raisins.
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Church Services: Bulgarians attend church services during Easter. The services are usually held on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
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Easter Sunday: On Easter Sunday, Bulgarians traditionally greet each other with the phrase “Христос Воскресе” (Christ is risen) and respond with “Воистина Воскресе” (Indeed he is risen).
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Easter Feast: Bulgarians prepare a special feast on Easter Sunday. The feast usually includes lamb, a traditional Easter dish, and other traditional Bulgarian dishes.
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Easter Monday: On Easter Monday, Bulgarians celebrate Разпети петък (Razpeti petak) or “Crucified Friday”. This day is celebrated with various games and activities, including egg fights and egg rolling.
Overall, Великден is a time for family, friends, and community to come together and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Dates
Orthodox Easter will be celebrated in Bulgaria on 2023-04-16 2023-04-17 2024-05-05 2025-04-20 2025-04-21 2026-04-12 2026-04-13 2027-05-02 2027-05-03 in the comming years.