St. Lazarus Feast (Lazarovden in Bulgarian) is one of the moveable feasts, because its date is set according to the date of Easter every single year, and is celebrated on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. In the gospels this is the day of the Raising of Lazarus, one of the miracles performed by Jesus Christ.
In the Bulgarian popular tradition the feast of Lazaritsa, Lazarnitsa ot Lazarus Saturday is a stage in the transition from winter to spring, and also from death to life. In the Bulgarian mythology Lazarus is the lord of woods and bushes. He carries an axe and clears woods to make farming fields for peasants. He comes to bring a new beginning for nature and his gift for girls is marriage.
This is the day of initiation of girls in pre-marriage age. With their heads decorated with green leaves, flowers and bird feathers aimed to bring luck, they tour the houses of the village and dance their Lazarus dances. In the traditional code, a girl who failed to take part in Lazarus girls' celebrations will never get married. It could be that a mountain dragon would come and take her away to marry her.
The ritual songs of Lazarki (girls who join Lazarus Saturday rituals) convey best wishes for health and fertility; they bless farmers, young girls and boys, young men, women and babies. The ritual tour of the village is meant to create a spirit of joy, celebration, luck and fertility in the community. Housewives would give white eggs and coins to girls. The eggs will later be painted for Easter. Drawing up a symbolic circle, Lazarki always return to the point where they have started. In the popular tradition the circle was ascribed with a powerful protective function.
English Daniela Konstantinova
Moving to Bessarabia more than two centuries ago, some Bulgarians brought with them part of their rich rituals. In their new homeland, some customs became modified under the influence of local traditions, others disappeared, and still others have been..
The first day of January is a day filled with emotions and joyful anticipation of a prosperous year in which all family members will be healthy and will make all their dreams come true. In the traditional Bulgarian calendar, 1 January is known as..
On the first day of the incoming 2025, the small town of Razlog in the Pirin Mountain will wake up to the sound of bells, zurnas and drums . Traditionally, the colorful Kukeri festival "Starchevata" will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the central square..
Moving to Bessarabia more than two centuries ago, some Bulgarians brought with them part of their rich rituals. In their new homeland, some customs became..
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Clear
Fog