Annunciation (Blagoveshtenie) Source: The Internet

Hi,

Today the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Annunciation (Blagoveshtenie), one of the most important Christian holidays. On the Day of Annunciation, Archangel Gabriel revealed to Virgin Mary, that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God. People named Blagovest, Blagoy, Blagovesta, Blaga and Bonka celebrate their name day on March 25th.

In Bulgaria, Annunciation is called Blagoveshtenie, which literally means “delivery of the good news”.

In the Bulgarian tradition the holiday is related to the migratory birds’ arrival and the spring awakening of nature. Bulgarians believe this is the day when the cuckoo would sing for the first time in the year. Bulgarians also clean their homes and light ritual fires for health. They used to gather around them and sing folklore songs.

The Blagoveshtenie holiday has another even more magical meaning. This is the day when the woodland fairies called ‘samodivi’ reappear. Another folklore belief about Blagoveshtenie is the time when all snakes and lizards wake up and crawl out.

The holiday meal includes baked or boiled fish and round loafs.