The magic of fire and of Sirni Zagovezni was recreated on the Day of Forgiveness in many places in Bulgaria.
The most interesting for the little ones was the ritual “Hamkane”, in which they tried to catch the traditional white halva with their mouths. Those present had the opportunity to see the buturniks or darts, which symbolically fly in the night of Sirni Zagovezni.
Photo: BTA
During the celebration, the bonfire was lit, which lit up the meadows, and those who wished had the opportunity to “jump” over the fire for health.
In many places, the celebration ended with a Bulgarian dance, which was enjoyed by young and old alike.
Photo: BTA
“Traditions should not be diluted and become just a show. So-called innovation has no place in them. Especially if we want to preserve what our ancestors bequeathed to us. Women have no place in the kuker custom, because it is traditionally male. Inadmissible is also the participation of children”. Ethnologist and folklorist Prof. Dr. Nikolay Nikov said this in an interview for BTA. He is the chairman of the five-member jury of the 24th International Masquerade Festival “Kukerlandia”, which takes place in Yambol.
“Women playing kukeri is the same as lazarki being men. We can experience that too – with genders and all those suggestions that come from Europe and everywhere. But we are Bulgarians, we are obliged to preserve and present to our children, that , which our ancestors bequeathed to us. Bulgarian is one and it is unique. There is no other traditional culture in Europe with such deep roots and so preserved even today,” said Prof. Nikov.
Photo: BTA
“Children can attend, watch, soak up the tradition and learn, but not participate. We must raise them as our grandfathers raised them. Let them remember that you become a kuker at a certain age. Once the boys knew – by twisting his belt and forcing him to become a bachelor in the choir, then he can become a caroler, and then a kuker. The lazarka is first a “dewyaka”, the girl first learns from the lazarkas. And when she gets hints that she is wanted as a wife , only then does she become a “painter” and lead the “bueneka”, explained the ethologist.
SEE more photos from the holiday HERE>>
