Велика събота in Bulgaria
Orthodox Easter Saturday is a holiday in Bulgaria. Orthodox Easter Saturday is called Велика събота in Bulgaria
When is Orthodox Easter Saturday in Bulgaria
Orthodox Easter Saturday is celebrated on 15, April, 2023 in Bulgaria.
About Велика събота in Bulgaria
Велика събота (Velika subota) is a religious holiday in Bulgaria that falls on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. It is also known as Holy Saturday.
On this day, Bulgarians traditionally prepare for Easter by painting eggs and baking Easter bread. Many also attend church services, where the priest blesses the eggs and bread.
The holiday is also associated with the belief that Christ descended into hell on this day, to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his crucifixion. This is commemorated in church services, where the priest carries a candle symbolizing Christ’s descent into hell.
In some parts of Bulgaria, there are also traditional rituals associated with Velika subota. For example, in the town of Kalofer, young men compete in a race to retrieve a wooden cross from a river, a tradition known as the “Cross Throwing” ceremony.
Overall, Velika subota is an important holiday in Bulgaria, marking the end of the fasting period leading up to Easter and the beginning of the Easter celebrations.
History of Велика събота in Bulgaria
Велика събота (Velika Sabota) is a religious holiday celebrated by Bulgarian Orthodox Christians on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The holiday marks the day when Jesus Christ’s body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion.
The history of Velika Sabota can be traced back to the early days of Christianity, when the disciples of Jesus Christ observed a day of mourning and reflection on the Saturday after his death. Over time, this practice became part of the Orthodox Christian tradition and was adopted by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
In Bulgaria, Velika Sabota is a solemn and reflective day. Many churches hold services in the evening, where the faithful gather to light candles and offer prayers. The service includes the reading of the Gospel accounts of Christ’s burial and the singing of hymns that reflect on the meaning of his sacrifice.
Traditionally, Bulgarians also observe Velika Sabota by preparing for the upcoming Easter celebrations. This includes baking Easter bread, coloring eggs, and decorating their homes with flowers and other symbols of new life.
Overall, Velika Sabota is an important part of the Bulgarian Orthodox Christian calendar and a time for reflection and preparation for the celebration of Easter.
How is Orthodox Easter Saturday celebrated in Bulgaria
Велика събота (Velika Subota), or Holy Saturday, is celebrated in Bulgaria as a day of preparation for Easter Sunday. Here are some of the ways it is celebrated:
-
Easter eggs are painted and decorated. In Bulgaria, these are traditionally red eggs, which symbolize the blood of Christ.
-
Churches hold special services in the evening, which include the blessing of the Easter baskets filled with food.
-
Many people attend a midnight mass, which marks the beginning of Easter Sunday.
-
Some people light candles and lanterns, which they carry in a procession around the church.
-
In some regions, people also light bonfires to symbolize the resurrection of Christ.
-
It is also traditional to clean the house and prepare special Easter foods, such as kozunak (a sweet bread) and lamb.
Overall, Velika Subota is a day of preparation and anticipation for the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday in Bulgaria.
Dates
Orthodox Easter Saturday will be celebrated in Bulgaria on 2023-04-15 2024-05-04 2025-04-19 2026-04-11 in the comming years.
