Text size

Bulgarians celebrate Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - the male holiday for fertility

published on 2/2/24 5:05 AM

Photo: BGNES

On February 2, according to the Bulgarian folk calendar, it is Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - a day dedicated to the health and fertility of male offspring. It is most widely popular in Eastern Bulgaria.

One of the obligatory elements is the sacrifice of a rooster. It is performed by women, mothers of male children, or by a boy who has not reached sexual maturity (called a "petelar"). In some settlements, the sacrificial bird must be black in color. The mother or peterel performs the sacrifice on the threshold of the road gate.

A sign of the cross is also made with blood on the faces of the boys, on the doors of the home. The mothers give pieces from the cooked rooster to neighbours, along with pieces of pita bread.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Folklore Bulgarian folk traditions folk calendar Petlyovden Rooster Day

More from category

Celebrating Surva in the village of Elovdol

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..

published on 1/21/25 2:35 PM

Roma people in Bulgaria celebrate Vasilitsa - the old-style new year

The Roma community in Bulgaria is celebrating Vasilyevden /or Vasilitsa, Bango Vasili (literally the Lame Vasil)/, also known as the Roma New Year , reports the Amalipe Foundation. The Roma New Year combining in its traditions Christmas with St...

published on 1/14/25 6:35 AM

Babinden or Midwives' Day: When tradition connects us to the roots of life

Today is Babinden (Midwives' Day) - one of the most beloved and authentic Bulgarian holidays deeply rooted in local folk tradition . Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to the women who used..

published on 1/8/25 6:05 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Overcast, rain
Min: 8 | Max: 12

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

Why is it important for each lazarka girl to participate in the ritual kumichene on Palm Sunday?

In the Bulgarian folk tradition, the feasts of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday are related holidays. From Lazarus Saturday (Lazarovden in Bulgaria),..

published on 4/13/25 11:56 AM

The Strelcha Museum presents the exhibition "A Fine Easter, a Finer St. George’s Day".

In April and May the visitors of the Strelcha Historical Museum will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions connected with the..

published on 4/13/25 7:50 AM

Share