On November 24, Orthodox Christians honour the Holy Martyr Catherine (Ekaterina). Catherine, who lived in the 3rd century in Alexandria, went down in history as one of the most educated women of her time.

Legend has it that her attempts to protect Christians before the emperor triggered his wrath and he ordered her imprisonment. There, however, Catherine managed to convert everyone who visited her, which is why she was sentenced to death by crucifixion. Miraculously, the wheel fell apart when 18-year-old Catherine touched it, so she was beheaded in 305. However, the wheel with the spikes remains the main symbol in images of the saint.

In the Bulgarian tradition, St. Catherine (or Sveta Ekaterina in Bulgarian) is revered as the patron saint of mothers. In some parts of Bulgaria it is believed that she protects children from diseases, especially measles.

Read more about the beliefs in Bulgarian lands related to the saint in the publication "Let St. Catherine help us: beliefs and rituals on the feast of the saint" from Radio Bulgaria’s Best collection.

Compiled by Elena Karkalanova