Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Day of Saint Sylvester or Karamanovden

published on 1/2/24 10:48 AM

Photo: archive

The Orthodox church marks the day of Saint Sylvester today. A Roman Pope, who lived in the 3rd-4th century, and who, according to legend baptized Emperor Constantine I the Great and converted him to Christianity.

In folklore belief, Saint Sylvester is the patron saint of animals, and more specifically cattle. The feast day is also known as Karamanovden, Ox Day, Sylvestri. Rituals on this day are connected with cleansing – cleaning out the manure from the stables which have not been cleaned since Christmas. On the night before Karamanovden, the young men who went carol singing at Christmas, now make the rounds of the houses in the village where there is cattle and draft animals in twos or threes.

In the region of the Western Rhodopes the day goes by the name of Spolezov, and, similar to the tradition on St. Ignatius Day, Ignazhden (20 December), it is very important who the first person entering the home will be. The guest should be a good person and wealthy so the year will be good and prosperous. The meal on this day should not include pork or bacon – it is believed this will keep the farm animals healthy.

Find out more about the traditions, rituals and songs connected with this day:

Day of St. Sylvester – folk customs and beliefs

On our part, we would like to wish a happy name day to all people called Sylvester, Sylvia, Silvana, Seraphim, Goran, Goritsa!

Editing by Elena Karkalanova

Translated and posted by Milena Daynova

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

Radio Bulgaria Folklore cattle farm animals Karamanovden Saint Sylvester

More from category

Today is St. Lazarus Day

Eight days before Easter, we celebrate Lazarus Saturday (St. Lazarus Day). It is the first of the three major Christian feasts associated with the miracle of the Resurrection and is followed by Palm Sunday and Easter. St. Lazarus Day is celebrated..

published on 4/27/24 7:55 AM

Mummers, elders, chaushi... the village of Turia is hosting masquerade games

The Bulgarian village of Turia at the southern foothill of the Balkan Range is welcoming over a thousand participants in the Masquerade Games "Old Men in Turia". This year's edition of the festival on 30 March will feature 28 mummers' groups from all..

published on 3/30/24 5:35 AM

The demonic image of horse rider St. Todor in folk traditions

"In a vast region in northern Bulgaria, St. Todor is somehow perceived as a demonic character... He visited gatherings of unmarried girls, which were prohibited during that period; he acquired the appearance of a young bachelor, but distinguishable by..

published on 3/23/24 7:10 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Partly cloudy, chance of rain
Min: 5 | Max: 18

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

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

MOST VIEWED

Today is St. Lazarus Day

Eight days before Easter, we celebrate Lazarus Saturday (St. Lazarus Day). It is the first of the three major Christian feasts associated with the miracle..

published on 4/27/24 7:55 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking