St John the Baptist - the last Old Testament prophet and the baptiser of Jesus - is revered on Ivanov Day. 347 534 Bulgarians who go by the name of Ivan (John) celebrate their name day today. "Ivan is a title, not a name," is what Bulgarians like to say about the country's most respected name, which means "God is gracious", "God-anointed" or "faithful to God". Almost every family has an Ivan or Ivanka who, according to tradition, should treat everyone who comes to their home on this day. 

It is believed that on Ivanovden, as on Yordanovden (6 January), water has special powers. Therefore, ritual bathing is performed on both days to ensure good health all year. Women - brides and newly engaged - also take part. In some Bulgarian villages, the festival is even known as "women's water". The water that the families draw on this day from the village fountain, well or spring is kept throughout the year, as it is believed to have healing powers and to have a magical protective effect. 

In Bulgarian tradition, Ivanovden is a celebration of sacred bonds. They are the bond between the newlyweds and their koumove or koumbaros ('best man' or 'sponsor' in Orthodox weddings, who later takes on the role of spiritual sponsor or supporter during important life events. The role of the koumbaros is similar to that of padrinos in Latin American and Hispanic cultures - ed.) and between sworn brothers. In a sense, it is a modern celebration of friendship. 

According to popular belief, when the Lord divided the world, St John was to "baptize the earth and the waters, young brides and little children". 

On this day there used to be great celebrations in every Bulgarian home. The kuomove would ritually bathe the newlyweds they had married in the previous year, sprinkling them with water. And the young family must visit their koum's house, bringing (according to local tradition) round bread, a ring-shaped roll, banitsa (Bulgarian cheese pie), wine and rakia (strong Bulgarian brandy). On this day, friends perform the blood brotherhood oath ritual. Those who were already blood brothers or sisters would celebrate with their blood brothers or sisters. In the village of Karaisen, Pavlikeni Municipality, Ivanov Day is still celebrated with an authentic ancient ritual called "Ivanovi Vlachugi". 

Read more about the customs and traditions associated with Ivanov Day in the publications of Radio Bulgaria: