Christmas Traditions in Bulgaria
'Koleda' mixes Orthodox religion with folk beliefs during the holiday season.
Bulgarian Christmas traditions involve fasting, the singing of carols, special foods like kolak, as well as other practices historically a part of the holiday celebration
Bulgarian Christmas traditions closely follow what has been historically dictated by the Eastern Orthodox Church for proper religious observances. Fasting during Advent, as well as a symbolic Christmas Eve meal are two examples of how the Orthodox religion and the Christmas holiday are intertwined in Bulgaria during the winter season.
Historically, fasting during the 40 days of Advent entailed abstaining from all animal products: meat, cheese, yogurt, milk, and eggs. Times have changed enough that Bulgarians may substitute abstaining from animal products to more personal fasts from other activities they enjoy. Fasting ends on Christmas day, where, after an essentially vegan Christmas Eve meal, meat returns to the table (or people resume normal daily practices).
In addition, a common belief in Bulgaria is that Mary bore Christ on Christmas Eve, but only announced the birth the following day, on Christmas (which is celebrated December 25th). Folk tradition follows this belief – new mothers announce the birth of a new child to the world the day following the birth.
Christmas in Bulgaria is called Koleda. Koleduvane is an annual ritual wherein koledari (or young men of a village form a sort of Christmas committee) spread Christmas cheer around the village by dressing in costumes and singing songs. This tradition may be still practiced to some extent in villages, although it is more difficult to reproduce in large cities.
Regional Christmas traditions in Bulgaria vary slightly, but in some parts of Bulgaria, a piece of silver is inserted into a loaf of bread. This may also be done with a kolak, or ring-shaped cake, that is an almost essential part of the Christmas season. Good fortune is said to come to the person who finds the piece of silver.
Other traditions are similar to those found in other parts of Eastern Europe, such as in the Baltic nations. A Yule log is sometimes lit, futures are told, and all work ceases on Christmas Eve after the proper preparations have been made.
