On 24 November, the Christian Orthodox church marks the day of the Great Martyr Catherine who lived at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century. In Bulgarian folklore tradition, Catherine or Katerina, as she is called, is honoured as the patron saint of children. It is believed she helps ward off measles.
On this day, mothers with small children would knead dough. A small piece of the dough, covered in honey, would be left over the door or on the roof – a gift for Granny Measles who is said to have a sweet tooth. The rest of the dough was made into bread, and on the bread jam would be spread. The members of the household would break the bread while it was still warm with the words: “May St. Catherine help us”.
24 November is the name day of all people called Ekaterina or its derivatives like Katerina, Katya etc. That is why the song we have selected today is about a young girl named Katerina who became voevod or rebel leader. It is performed by the Children’s Folklore Group from Satovcha village in Southwestern Bulgaria.
Editing by Albena Bezovska
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