In the Bulgarian folk calendar the same date is dedicated to Ignazhden (the day of St. Ignatius). On Ignazhden the transition to the new year begins. The day is full of prohibitions, divinations and rituals that should attract good forces and prepare us for a new beginning. On Ignazhden one should not lend money, nothing should be taken out of the house, and everyone who enters must be "full-handed." The most important thing on this day is who will enter the house first. If the first person to enter the home is a person in good health, with a strong family, also wealthy and lucky, he or she is believed to bring a blessing to the hosts.

"The Mother of God went into labour from St. Ignatius to Christmas" is the main motive of many folk songs performed on Ignazhden, because it is believed that on this day the birth pangs of the Mother of God began. That is why the women did not work on that day. According to popular belief, on the day of the winter solstice (December 22) the new sun, the so-called Mlada Boga (Young God), is born. One of the material symbols of the sun and God in the traditional notions of Bulgarians is the bread which occupies an important place in all folk customs.

What are the ritual breads that were once prepared in the last ten days of the year? You can learn more about them from the publication Ritual bread making from the Day of St. Ignatius until Christmas from Radio Bulgaria’s Best collection.

Compiled by Albena Bezovska