The first hours of the New Year in Bulgaria begin with the custom of survakane - a group of children or young men going from house to house carrying a specially decorated stick called "survachka" and patting family members with it, expressing their best wishes for health and prosperity.

This is the Bulgarian custom that famous Bulgarian singer, musician and artist Marin Hristov-Hriste had decided to promote around the world. The young man from Bulgaria’s town of Botevgrad invites Bulgarians and foreigners to carry put the survakane custom but in a special location - in front of the landmarks in the places where they live, for example, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in front of the pyramids in Egypt, etc. All filmed and sent materials will be gathered in one video.

"Initially, we wanted to unite Bulgarians around the world in some way and we decided that this would be through the tradition of survakane. The ritual is Bulgarian, but it does not prevent it from being introduced to larger groups of people, because I think it would be interesting", explains Marin.

There are already confirmed participations not only from friends and acquaintances of the young man from near and far on earth, but also from foreigners living in Europe, Australia and South America.

"The world is one big village. It can be a big family for people who want to live this way. But for those who do not want, always borders will be essential”, Marin Hristov bitterly admits.

He is convinced that each of us carries the Bulgarian spirit inside to a greater or lesser extent. And each one of us can acquaint foreigners with some of Bulgaria’s wonderful traditions.

"The idea is that the foreigners who will get involved can utter their own blessings and wishes. In the video I will compile, the text will not be heard, but every foreigner can use his or her own Christmas wishes during the survakane. I do not want to force people to pronounce somemantras and unknown words. Just to wish each other all the best through this Bulgarian custom,”says Marin.

Hoping that his personal initiative will unite people on the occasion of the upcoming holidays, Marin Hristov shares his wishes:

"My personal wishes for health, happiness, for which each of us must fight and stand up. I wish to be able to move forward, to develop in some way, with God's help, of course. I want to thank BNR’s Radio Bulgaria for responding to my initiative and for following closely what is happening. Thank you for your attention and I wish all listeners to be alive and healthy and to reinvent and find themselves in the New Year!"

Anyone can take part in the initiative by recording a short video and sending it to Marin Hristov.

And here are some tips on how to make your own survachka:

A dogwood stick is used, and its twigs are shaped as a circle. The decoration requires multicolored woolen threads or yarn, stringed popcorn, dried prunes, peppers and ribbons. An apple and the obligatory "golden" coin are attached to the top - so that the year is healthy and rich. With a light pat on the back, you extend your wishes for health, happiness, luck and well-being.

English version Rositsa Petkova