Text size

Bulgarians celebrate Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - the male holiday for fertility

published on 2/2/24 5:05 AM

Photo: BGNES

On February 2, according to the Bulgarian folk calendar, it is Petlyovden (Rooster Day) - a day dedicated to the health and fertility of male offspring. It is most widely popular in Eastern Bulgaria.

One of the obligatory elements is the sacrifice of a rooster. It is performed by women, mothers of male children, or by a boy who has not reached sexual maturity (called a "petelar"). In some settlements, the sacrificial bird must be black in color. The mother or peterel performs the sacrifice on the threshold of the road gate.

A sign of the cross is also made with blood on the faces of the boys, on the doors of the home. The mothers give pieces from the cooked rooster to neighbours, along with pieces of pita bread.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Folklore Bulgarian folk traditions folk calendar Petlyovden Rooster Day

More from category

Midsummer herbs and water have magical powers

Early in the morning, young men and women gather in the meadows to play with the sun. "It is believed that the sun dances and shimmers on Enyovden at sunrise, because it is the longest solstice of the year". This is the most important thing to know about..

published on 6/24/24 7:00 AM

22 June is Bulgarian Folklore Day

Today is Bulgarian Folklore Day, designated as such by the Ministry of Culture in 2019. The idea for such a day belongs to Chinary folklore ensemble, with the support of the Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices , percussionist Stoyan..

published on 6/22/24 11:36 AM

Faces of Balkan folklore to be presented at photo exhibition in Kardzhali

On June 3 at 18.00 in Art Gallery "Circle" in Kardzhali the photo exhibition "Ethnopalitra - the faces of Balkan folklore" will be opened. The exhibition is the work of journalist and historian Georgi Kulov. The exhibition is inspired..

published on 6/3/24 7:05 AM