Invoking good forces over Bulgarian Christmas celebrations

published on 12/23/10 12:40 PM

Photo: BGNES

Invoking good forces over Bulgarian Christmas celebrations

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In the unwritten books of Bulgarian folk wisdom, one can find anything from various rituals and rites to countless fables and superstitions. How did Bulgarians invoke the protection of good spirits at the turn of the calendar year? Stay with us in today’s folk studio to hear more on the matter.

“Good afternoon!” and “Good Day!”- once upon a time people were supposed to say these greetings on meeting another person. A most important thing young people had to know was what they were allowed and not allowed to speak about. For example, one could say an infinite amount of good words, but there was a taboo on bad ones, especially in the presence of elderly people. Speaking aloud about dangerous and unpleasant things was also forbidden. The taboo on bad words was particularly strong in times of transition and celebrations. According to folk wisdom, the evil goes rampant mostly in times of change, when the universe is overwhelmed by chaos and demonic forces trespass the boundaries between the Earth and the other world. One such period spans from December 20 to early January. During that time people would strictly perform ritual and protective practices to keep dark forces at bay. They would strive for good encounters at every single time. It was considered good luck, for example, should one see a three-coloured cat. Meeting a person who is not empty-handed was also a good omen. It was extremely fortunate to come across a good-hearted person, who is known for his good qualities. At the Day of Ignazh, December 20, people believed that the first to visit their homes, also called a crawler, would reveal what the next year would be like. If that happened to be a good person, they believed they would have health and good luck in the following year. If the first visitor were bad, however, ill fortune would befall the household. It was also believed that the physical and spiritual traits of the first visitor would be transposed on the family’s fate. In the past every home had its own crawler, who was certain to bring only good fortune.

As we already mentioned above, Bulgarians were particularly alert all through the Christmas holidays to scare evil forces away. People burned incense over the table and all over their homes. They would prepare special ritual bread which symbolically depicted health, fertility and material wealth. The days and nights around Christmas were considered magical, everything happening at that time was interpreted to be good or bad omens. The meals at the Christmas table, as well as the mood of the people gathered around could foretell what was in store for them next year. To attract the good forces, people would often receive at their homes a group of men singing Christmas carols, called koledari. In fact, the male singers would visit every house in the village in a ritual manner to give Christmas blessings. Upon entering people's homes, they would sing that they are bringing good news and would then bless every member of the family, wishing them flourishing health and wealth.

The song of the koledari was believed to banish all evil, for it contained hundreds of words invoking the good forces. In return, the singing men would be given ring-shaped buns craftily prepared by the hosts who would hide golden coins decorated with green ruscus inside them. Young maids would also make special ring-shaped buns for their sweethearts. The buns would then be put on public display for the lads to buy from their loves. If there were several lads in love with the same girl they used to outbid themselves for her hand.

Throughout history Bulgarians have created a fairy-tale picture of their lives coloured with numerous beliefs, omens, blessings and prayers. Today those of us who still remember this magical world draw inspiration from it to celebrate the Christmas holidays in the old ways. What is the reason, you might wonder? Perhaps it is the sense of belonging to an ancient culture and the faith in the human power to create miracles.

English version: Vyara Popova

По публикацията работи: Albena Bezovska

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Invoking good forces over Bulgarian Christmas celebrations

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