What is the meaning of lambs, sheep and rams – revered, loved and at times, ridiculed as an allegory of human failings – in Bulgarian folklore tradition?
Sheep breeding, alongside land tilling, has always been the main source of livelihood in the Bulgarian lands. That is why, in traditional culture, shepherds are held in high esteem and a large flock of sheep is sung praise of as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The bells on the sheep’s necks, called chan or hlopka, which chime in harmony also give a sense of pride. Christmas carols express wishes that the flock may yagni (derived from the word for lamb) but also blizni (twin-lambs). They sing of fine-wool sheep, horn-twisting rams and white-faced lambs. The animal described as vaklo is especially prized – i.e. animals that are white with dark rings around the eyes. That is why a pretty lass, who by and large would have black eyes is compared to a lamb that is vaklo, gentle and loved.
Little children are also described as lambs for example in the conundrum: A lamb bleating between two mountains (a child in a cradle). In later times, one song grew especially popular Lamb a-bleating performed by famed singer Boris Mashalov. The song tells the moving story of a lamb, whose mother Rogousha was sold to cruel butchers even though once upon a time she helped her master save his flock from drowning. This is a song that has brought tears to the eyes of young and old, and to this day stirs the emotions of listeners.
The lamb is a symbol of gentleness, meekness, humbleness, hence the saying: like a lamb to the slaughter. This is an image that is deeply rooted in Christianity, where the story of Abraham and Isaac is recounted in the Old Testament. Having begot
