Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Songs and legends in honor of St. Haralambos – patron saint of beekeepers

Photo: BGNES

According to the Orthodox traditions, the 10th of February is dedicated to St. Haralambos (Haralampi), who died a martyr's death during the persecution of Christians in the 3rd century. According to the Church, his wounds healed miraculously every night, despite the severe torture he was subjected to. Before leaving earthly life, he asked God to grant "physical health and spiritual salvation to all people." That is why he is considered one of the healer saints, together with Sts. Cosmas and Damian, Saint Pantaleon, and others. Parts of the miraculous relics of the saint are kept in the church "Sveti Sedmochislenitsi” (Seven Saints) in Sofia.

According to Bulgarian folk traditions, on the Day of St. Haralambos women kneaded ritual bread that they covered with honey to keep diseases away.

At the morning service in the church they bring honey for blessing and in many towns and villages beekeepers celebrate their patron saint's day. Local beekeeping societies organize exhibitions, workshops, etc.

There are a number of folk songs dedicated to the tireless work of the bee, which since ancient times has been providing people with "liquid gold", as they call honey - one of the most powerful natural remedies for a number of diseases.

You can learn more about the holiday, the songs and legends related to the bee from Radio Bulgaria’s article: Wondrous young lass flying over meadows – bee legends.

Compiled by: Albena Bezovska

English: Alexander Markov



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

On the eve of Midsummer's Day “the sky opens”

Midsummer's Day or Enyovden in Bulgaria is always celebrated on June 24, when the church honors the birth of St. John the Baptist. Folklore traditions are associated with the day of the summer solstice, when the sun "twinkles" and "plays" at..

published on 6/23/23 6:43 PM
Nedyalka Keranova

Remembering folk singer Nedyalka Keranova

April 24 marked the 82 nd anniversary since the birth of Nedyalka Keranova- one of the most remarkable voices of Bulgarian folklore, who passed away in 1966 at the age of 55. Our listener and friend Noris Balabanyan who lives in the USA and whose..

published on 5/8/23 5:05 AM

Remembering Petar Stupel with the song Late Meetings

Today we mark the 100th birth anniversary of composer Petar Stupel . He was born on April 27, 1923 in Sofia, in the family of professional musicians. Petar Stupel studied at the State Academy of Music "Pancho Vladigerov", majoring in Piano under..

published on 4/27/23 6:05 AM