[/caption]On this day the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours St. Anthony. He lived a long, modest and righteous life. He died at the age of 105 years on January 17th. Anthony is an old Roman name and means “priceless”. Anton, Antoniya, Antoaneta, Toncho, Doncho and Donka celebrate their Name Day on this day.St. Anthony was a hermit. He had the gift of healing and was very insightful. He preached for Christian values and took care of sick and weak people as well as of prisoners and various people in need.According to folks’ belief St. Anthony’s Day is celebrated to fight diseases. St. Anthony Day is known as the day of the fight against plague. On this day women do not spin or knead to avoid teasing the plague and the smallpox. Round bread with honey and nuts is given out for health.It is believed that the twin brothers and blacksmiths Anthony and Atanas have invented the blacksmith pliers. Accordingly, St Anthony’s and St. Atanas’ Day are celebrated in two consecutive days and are known as “sweet and honey”. They are considered as patrons of blacksmiths, ironmongers and cutlers. People in these professions sacrifice a ram or an ox to venerate their patrons.
[/caption]On this day the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours St. Anthony. He lived a long, modest and righteous life. He died at the age of 105 years on January 17th. Anthony is an old Roman name and means “priceless”. Anton, Antoniya, Antoaneta, Toncho, Doncho and Donka celebrate their Name Day on this day.St. Anthony was a hermit. He had the gift of healing and was very insightful. He preached for Christian values and took care of sick and weak people as well as of prisoners and various people in need.According to folks’ belief St. Anthony’s Day is celebrated to fight diseases. St. Anthony Day is known as the day of the fight against plague. On this day women do not spin or knead to avoid teasing the plague and the smallpox. Round bread with honey and nuts is given out for health.It is believed that the twin brothers and blacksmiths Anthony and Atanas have invented the blacksmith pliers. Accordingly, St Anthony’s and St. Atanas’ Day are celebrated in two consecutive days and are known as “sweet and honey”. They are considered as patrons of blacksmiths, ironmongers and cutlers. People in these professions sacrifice a ram or an ox to venerate their patrons.