The autumn-winter period is full of holidays in honor of the Christian saints - patrons of the family community. St. Michael the Archangel is among the heavenly patrons, whom Bulgarian people honor especially solemnly on November 8.
We often consider the so-called Archangelovden (Archangel's Day) as the second most important autumn holiday in this country, after St. Demetrius Day celebrated on October 26.
Tradition dictates that family meetings take place and village gatherings are organised. People bake ritual breads and preparemeal offerings (Kurban). In this way we invite the angels to our table and pray for heavenly protection.
For more on the folk traditions related to family services in this country, see the article "Details and facts about Bulgarian family services and religious sacrifice" from the collection of Radio Bulgaria.
Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova
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