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

Day of Saint Sylvester or Karamanovden

Photo: archive
The Orthodox church marks the day of Saint Sylvester today. A Roman Pope, who lived in the 3rd-4th century, and who, according to legend baptized Emperor Constantine I the Great and converted him to Christianity. 
In folklore belief, Saint Sylvester is the patron saint of animals, and more specifically cattle. The feast day is also known as Karamanovden, Ox Day, SylvestriRituals on this day are connected with cleansing – cleaning out the manure from the stables which have not been cleaned since Christmas. On the night before Karamanovden, the young men who went carol singing at Christmas, now make the rounds of the houses in the village where there is cattle and draft animals in twos or threes.   

In the region of the Western Rhodopes the day goes by the name of Spolezov, and, similar to the tradition on St. Ignatius Day, Ignazhden (20 December), it is very important who the first person entering the home will be. The guest should be a good person and wealthy so the year will be good and prosperous. The meal on this day should not include pork or bacon – it is believed this will keep the farm animals healthy. 
Find out more about the traditions, rituals and songs connected with this day:
On our part, we would like to wish a happy name day to all people called Sylvester, Sylvia, Silvana, Seraphim, Goran, Goritsa! 
Editing by Elena Karkalanova
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova


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

The demonic image of horse rider St. Todor in folk traditions

"In a vast region in northern Bulgaria, St. Todor is somehow perceived as a demonic character... He visited gatherings of unmarried girls, which were prohibited during that period; he acquired the appearance of a young bachelor, but distinguishable by..

published on 3/23/24 7:10 AM

Yambol immersed in the magic of the Kuker games

Thousands of cowbells of different sizes and shapes filled the streets of Yambol with chiming, jingling and ringing at the 25th International Masquerade Festival "Kukerlandia".  Згдшд  More than two thousand mummers - called kukeri, sourvakari,..

published on 3/17/24 4:16 PM

Martenitsas or Rhodope baynitsas – a symbol of hope for the good things to come

Martenitsas are one of the symbols of Bulgaria – regarded as the harbinger of spring and the end of darkness. Every year, on 1 March, Bulgarians, wherever they may be in the world, give friends and family the red-and-white tassels, as a token of..

published on 3/1/24 7:05 AM