BNR hosts Glagolitic Alphabet and Proto-Bulgarian Runes

published on 2/14/12 12:19 PM

Photo: Bulphoto

On 14 February, Bulgaria marks the assumption of St. Cyril. Together with his brother Methodius, he created in the 9th century the first Slavic alphabet called Glagolitic. On this occasion, the Bulgarian National Radio is running an exhibition by artist Pavlin Petrov entitled The Glagolitic Alphabet and Proto-Bulgarian Runes. The event commemorates Sts. Cyril and Methodius, patrons of Europe, and their contribution to education and the spread of Christianity among Slavic peoples.

The explanatory note under one of the works reads: “The name of the Glagolitic alphabet, also known as Glagolitsa, stems from the word ‘glagolati’, which means ‘to speak’. In other words, these are the signs that speak. The first letter “Aza”, which stands for the pronoun “I”, looks like the Christian cross. According to researchers, the Glagolitic alphabet is a Christian script that comes directly from God.

“Generally, the Glagolitic alphabet is based on circles, triangles and crosses”, explains artist Pavlin Petrov. “There are various symbols coming from other epochs and civilizations that, we believe, were used by St. Cyril in creating the Glagolitic alphabet. The monograms of Proto-Bulgarian khans Kubrat and Asparukh were inscribed with Glagolitic symbols. The signs of their Dulo Clan, an ax and a bow, stood for power and might”.

A most remarkable rune from the Glagolitic alphabet is a symbol meaning “protection of life”. It comes as a curious fact that its image is found on ancient carpets and rugs in Bulgaria. Some researchers also believe that ancient Proto-Bulgarian runes might have been used in creating the alphabet. According to Pavlin Petrov, the letters must have had symbolic meaning. It’s possible that some were sort of logos of craft workshops, similar to contemporary business logos. “The idea behind the exhibition is to raise the morale of Bulgarians by recalling their ancient roots and trigger an interest in the Glagolitic letters and history. The exhibition was first made back in 2008. It has been showcased at Saint Sofia Spiritual Seminary, the EU Information Centre in Bulgaria, the Education Ministry and other places. We asked Pavlin why he chose BNR for presenting the symbols.

“It’s a traveling exhibition. The Bulgarian National Radio has long been a tribune for Bulgarianness, and it will continue to play this role. Therefore, I thought the BNR is a place where the exhibition will look stately”.

Pavlin Petrov has used various materials, such as leather, textile, wood, metal and ceramics. His art looks warm and memorable. The works are accompanied by explanatory notes.

English version: Vyara Popova

По публикацията работи: Veneta Pavlova

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BNR hosts Glagolitic Alphabet and Proto-Bulgarian Runes

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