Bulgaria is a unique country and unique customs have been practiced here for centuries. In this article, we present 5 customs that are unique to Bulgaria. Here they are:
1. Swimming in icy cold waters
St. Jordan's Day is a holiday associated with the custom in which all willing men, provided they are bachelors, dive into the waters of a nearby river, lake or pool and struggle to pick up the cross thrown by the priest. The waters are icy cold because the holiday is celebrated on January 6, right in the middle of winter in Bulgaria. The idea that a group of brave Bulgarian men decided to suffer physical discomfort in the name of the most sacred - the cross - is more than eloquent. This Bulgarian custom, preserved over the centuries, is a mirror for the unshakable spirit of Bulgarian men!
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2. Fireworks
It is a ritual in which participants dance barefoot on hot coals, thus expressing the cult of Saints Constantine and Helena. Most often the participants are women. The courage shown by the stove women is amazing. This Bulgarian custom is another one in which children of mother Bulgaria decide to suffer physical pain in the name of the most sacred - faith. The spirit of the beautiful Bulgarian women reaches no less heights than that of the brave Bulgarians.
3. Lazarus
This is a custom in Bulgaria for the Lazarov Day holiday. This ritual heralds a marriage. On this day, the young maidens sing and dance, and the watchers give them white eggs and flour, with which the maidens later knead the ritual breads. Superstition states that girls who have not lazared are most likely to fall in love and be taken by a dragon. Myths and legends have given faith, courage and meaning since the beginning of human existence. Today, one thing is certain, they make our everyday life more colorful, through traditions and customs like this one.
4. Raw
This custom is performed by a large group of bachelors, who are believed to be able to ward off the "unclean forces" coming from the world of the dead through their survakas. In this masquerade rite, men wear unique costumes, masks and bells. The action takes place in the square in the village, and then in each house separately. This is the magic of yet another Bulgarian custom, which in one way or another makes a Bulgarian feel one idea better. In this case, people believe that evil forces have been banished and they feel calm and protected.
5. Imported cheeses
It is a holiday that changes its date every year. On this custom in Bulgaria, young people must ask for forgiveness from their elders, this is the reason why the holiday is also known as "Forgiveness". In the same evening, large fires are lit, where people from the whole village or the whole town gather. It is customary to jump over fires when they burn out. After which people can play people and sing songs around them. And this Bulgarian custom shows that the soul of a Bulgarian never gets cold, because the Bulgarian in her is forever burning!
