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

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.

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Radio Bulgaria Folklore    Bulgarian folk traditions folk calendar Petlyovden Rooster Day

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