Enyovden (Midsummer's Day) is one of the most beloved holidays in the folk calendar of Bulgarians, which has deep roots in our traditions, thinking, and beliefs. It has a fixed date - always it is marked on June 24. It is also called St. John of the Summer, because on the same date the Orthodox Church honours the birth of St. John the Baptist.
According to popular belief, on Midsummer's Day the path of the sun from winter to summer ends and it takes the opposite course - from summer to winter. And on the night before the holiday the skies open, the stars descend to the earth and enchant grasses and flowers, giving them a healing power. The waters are also granted , because the sun bathes for the last time before it sets. That is why even today, in the early morning of Midsummer's Day, people ritually bathe in rivers and lakes.
The holiday was once accompanied by special songs for every moment of the practiced rituals and ceremonies - from gathering herbs in the early morning, to the singing of folk songs and the cheerful youth jokes at dusk.
More about them in Radio Bulgaria’s Editor’s picks.
Scientists from the Sorbonne will study the cultural heritage preserved in the Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum "Etar" , informs public broadcaster BNT. In March this year the French scientists together with experts of REOM "Etar" will study elements..
The day of St. Tryphon (1 February old style, 14 February new style) is celebrated by vine growers, falconers and gardeners in Bulgaria. Trifon Zarezan comes around with vine pruning and wine drinking St. Tryphon is believed to help..
All Bulgarian masquerade games originate from the ancient rituals related to the birth of the sun around Christmas. With the adoption of Christianity, in order not to defile the newborn God, the custom was blurred. In the western..
+359 2 9336 661