Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Day of Saint Sylvester or Karamanovden

published on 1/2/24 10:48 AM

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, Sylvestri. Rituals 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:

Day of St. Sylvester – folk customs and beliefs

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!

Radio Bulgaria Folklore cattle farm animals Karamanovden Saint Sylvester

More from category

Flowing wine, dragons, bears and folklore – Delchevo celebrates together with Northern Greece municipalities

Wine will spout from two drinking fountains over the weekend in Delchevo. Perched on top of the mountain, the village located close to Gotse Delchev, has made a name for itself as a tourist attraction with its ancient architecture and the beautiful..

published on 2/1/24 7:30 AM

Babinden in Razlog - a city that is keeper of traditions

At the beginning of each year, The Bulgarian city of Razlog and the surrounding villages start feverish preparations for Babinden or Midwives’ Day. The holiday is dedicated to the “grannies” who helped women give birth. Every year it is celebrated on..

published on 1/20/24 11:14 AM

Surva holiday celebrated in Graovsko and all over Western Bulgaria

The Surva festival begins with the lighting of bonfires and mummers dancing the horo chain danie around the fires on the night of January 13-14. The power and timelessness of the masquerade tradition has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage..

published on 1/14/24 6:30 AM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Overcast, rain
Min: 7 | Max: 17

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

MOST VIEWED

Pernik will host 44th meeting of the Federation of European Carnival Cities

Bulgaria's Pernik will host the 44th annual meeting of the Federation of European Carnival Cities , which is opening today , the municipal administration..

published on 5/13/24 6:51 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking