On November 24, Orthodox Christians honour the Holy Martyr Catherine (Ekaterina). Catherine, who lived in the 3rd century in Alexandria, went down in history as one of the most educated women of her time.
Legend has it that her attempts to protect Christians before the emperor triggered his wrath and he ordered her imprisonment. There, however, Catherine managed to convert everyone who visited her, which is why she was sentenced to death by crucifixion. Miraculously, the wheel fell apart when 18-year-old Catherine touched it, so she was beheaded in 305. However, the wheel with the spikes remains the main symbol in images of the saint.
In the Bulgarian tradition, St. Catherine (or Sveta Ekaterina in Bulgarian) is revered as the patron saint of mothers. In some parts of Bulgaria it is believed that she protects children from diseases, especially measles.
Read more about the beliefs in Bulgarian lands related to the saint in the publication "Let St. Catherine help us: beliefs and rituals on the feast of the saint" from Radio Bulgaria’s Best collection.
Compiled by Elena Karkalanova
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..
Scattered showers
Rain
Overcast, rain
Rain / Snow