Cheesefare Sunday is one of the most colourful feasts in Bulgaria. It always falls on the Sunday before the start of Lent.
The ritual also goes by the name of “Proshka” (forgiveness) because in popular tradition, the dinner on this day is preceded by the ritual of asking and giving of forgiveness. The young would ask the older people in the family for forgiveness, the newly marrieds would visit their godparents, the journeymen – their masters. The conventional formula was “Forgive me! You are forgiven!” though it varies from region to region. The idea is to attain physical and spiritual cleansing by fasting after being forgiven by one’s near and dear ones.
Find out more about the ritual and the beliefs connected with “Proshka” in “People make errors, people forgive” HERE
Compiled by Albena Bezovska
The goreshtnitsi – dog days, the hottest days of summer in Bulgaria fall on 15, 16 and 17 July. Their roots go back to pagan times and are connected with the cult of fire. The tradition of goreshtnitsi is observed mostly in Northern and..
Did you know that in the Moldovan capital Chisinau there is a street named after Hristo Botev? Located about three kilometers from the city center, there stands an impressive monument to the Bulgarian poet, revolutionary and public figure, who died in..
When we have a special occasion where we meet relatives or friends, as a sign of respect and as a memory, we usually present them with a gift, complete with a beautiful card. In the past, the card received was kept as a cherished memory and even passed..
Partly Cloudy
sunshine, cloud, rain and thunder
Mostly Cloudy
Partly cloudy, chance of rain