In this edition of Folk Studio, Ass. Prof. Vihra Baeva from the Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Studies with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Ethnographic Museum brings you more about the trees that bring Christmas cheer, according to the old and the new traditions in the Bulgarian lands. 

To the people of today the tree, adorned with colourful toys, bright with lights and festoons is one of the symbols of Christmas and the New Year. But if we go back in time we’ll find there were other kinds of trees our ancestors would deem a compulsory part of the rituals at this time of the year – the cornel-tree and the
so-called budnik or Christmas log. Though very different, these tree species are in fact versions of one and the same key mythological image – that of the world tree, a symbol of cosmic order, harmony and abundance.

The traditional Bulgarian equivalent of the Christmas tree is the budnik or Christmas log. Originally it was the straight log of a three-year old tree, usually an oak, a tree considered sacred by the Slavic peoples. In ancient times people would make sacrifices and pay homage to their gods under its branches. This is a practice that has come down to our day, though now the tradition is connected with Christianity. The ritual sites in the vicinity of many towns and villages are located precisely under big, old oak trees; that is where the village fairs would take place and votive offerings would be made. It is believed that the bark and the wood of these trees have curative properties. One example – there is an oak stump that is kept in the church St Petka the Elder in Sofia to this day. The log is dedicated to St. Therapontius. Until the turn of the 20th centuries believers would take splinters from the tree; people who were mentally ill would be tied to it to drive away the evil spirits.

Besides oak, the pear tree was also used as a Christmas log. And this too was no accident: it was thought that the pear tree had the power to exorcise demons and ward off misfortunes. That is why in summer young lasses would put on wreathes made of pear tree leaves and blossoms against evil encounters, while the Christmas Eve menu invariably included dried pears.

© Photo: archive

A newly wed or unmarried young man was given the task of chopping off the tree for the Christmas log. Before sunup on Christmas Eve the young man would go to the forest to choose a suitable tree, chop it down and trim it and then take it back home. The trunk’s length was estimated so as to be able to fit into the door. The women of the house would solemnly welcome the tree, performing a special ritual to consecrate it. A small hole was bored into the base of the log into which olive oil or butter was poured, a little frankincense and wax was added and it was stopped up with a wooden wedge. The lower end of the consecrated log was wrapped in pure linen cloth and it was placed upright next to the hearth while ritual songs were sung. In the evening the log was placed into the fire where it burned slowly until morning and wine was poured onto the coals to put them out. The ashes were kept as a cure or to be scattered in the fields for a good harvest. According to experts, the burning Christmas log was the earthly equivalent of the Sun. Its symbolical meaning would magically help the Sun gather strength and conquer darkness and winter during the shortest days of the year.

The cornel-tree also played a key role in Christmas and New Year rituals. Its branches are sturdy and supple, so it was a symbol of health, tenacity and longevity. Cornel was also the first tree to blossom in the new year, that is why its buds are the sign that spring has conquered winter, that life has conquered death. According to one legend, with the help of the cornel-tree God once outwitted the devil. When he saw the cornel tree blossoming in winter, the devil sat himself down under it to wait for its fruit to ripen so he could pick them, But God saw this and blessed the cornel so it would blossom first but give fruit last. Thus the Evil One was punished for his gluttony and the cornel tree was from then on called the Devil’s tree.

© Photo: BТА

Cornel tree buds were, by a tradition, placed on the table on Christmas Eve and were used for telling fortunes. Each member of the family would choose one bud which was then thrown into the fire; the louder it crackled, the healthier and luckier that person would be during the new year. The sourvachka – a decorated twig – was also made of cornel tree. It was used to tap people’s backs wishing them health and prosperity on St. Vassil’s or Basil’s day, January 1st. A branching twig with lots of buds was chosen and it was decorated with white and red thread, dried fruit and nuts, coins and buns – symbols of the much-desired abundance. Cornel tree buds were also used to make the fortune symbols in the New Year banitsa used to tell fortunes.

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree – a pine or a spruce – first originated in Germany. Some experts see a connection with ancient Scandinavian mythology and the tree Igdrasil on which the entire universe rests. The evergreen tree and its lush decoration was a symbol of health, longevity and abundance. The Christmas tree came to Bulgaria after the country’s liberation from Ottoman domination in 1878, mostly under Russian and Czech influence. In totalitarian times the Christmas tree was re-named New Year tree and the star of Bethlehem on top of it was replaced by the communist five pointed star. Nowadays environmental versions are growing more and more popular – live potted trees or different artificial alternatives. 

Author: Ass. Prof. Vihra Baeva
English version: Milena Daynova