The document summarizes Bulgarian Christmas Eve traditions. A large log burns in the fireplace as the family head breaks round flat bread and distributes pieces to the family and for protection. The whole family then gathers at a table with meatless dishes that are odd numbered to symbolize fertility. There is also a tradition of groups of men and youths going from house to house singing Christmas songs and offering wishes in exchange for gifts from the homeowners.

2. The celebration in the
kindergarten
recreates Christmas
Eve in a Bulgarian
family of old times. A
large log is burning of
the fireplace called ‘’
Badnik’’.

3. . The owner in the house breaks the round
flat bread into pieces and distributes it to
everyone in the family. The first piece is for
the house and the second – for Holy Mary to
protect the house and the family.
The whole family gathers at the
table. The dishes are only
meatless and odd in number – 7,9
or 11. There must be a round flat
bread with a coin, wheat, peppers
stuffed with beans, meatless
stuffed vine leaves, walnuts,
honey, etc. These foods
symbolize fertility, which is
expected in the New Year

4. There is a typical custom tor the Bulgarian Christmas
Eve called ‘’ Koleduvane’’. These are groups of youths
and men, called ‘’Koledari’’, doing round each house.
They sing typical Christmas songs and say Christmas
wishes. Thus the men wish all health, good luck,
fertility, success, etc. The owners of the house give the
‘’koledari’’ coins, bagels, fruit, dried fruit, popcorn, etc.

5. We are singing and dancing

6. We say Christmas rhymes

10. Elka Vraykova
Teacher