Diado Koleda:
Bulgaria
| Copyright 2007 |
Diado Koleda is the name that Bulgarians give to Christmas, its literal translation means
"Grandfather Christmas".
Bulgarians tradition at Diado Koleda is an interesting one as it is not just celebrated on
Christmas day itself but also Christmas eve.
"Grandfather Christmas".
Bulgarians tradition at Diado Koleda is an interesting one as it is not just celebrated on
Christmas day itself but also Christmas eve.
Before Diado Koleda Bulgarians follow a lent where they do not eat meat (it is important to
note that a large majority do not follow this in the present day). This lent lasts up till and
including 24th December, the day before Diado Koleda.
On the 24th December all Bulgarian families get together for an evening. The evening starts off
with ash on a hollowed out piece of wood being lit and everyone waving the smoke in to their
face three times before the wood is taken in to every room of the property. This is done to clear
the people and property of any evil spirits.
After this is done a big feast is eaten, this feast is filled with many meals of which none have
any meat. There is fruit, nuts, rice, vegetables, desserts like baklava and fruit strudel.
With the meal Bulgarians will drink Rakia and Wine, two alcoholic drinks made entirely from
grapes.
note that a large majority do not follow this in the present day). This lent lasts up till and
including 24th December, the day before Diado Koleda.
On the 24th December all Bulgarian families get together for an evening. The evening starts off
with ash on a hollowed out piece of wood being lit and everyone waving the smoke in to their
face three times before the wood is taken in to every room of the property. This is done to clear
the people and property of any evil spirits.
After this is done a big feast is eaten, this feast is filled with many meals of which none have
any meat. There is fruit, nuts, rice, vegetables, desserts like baklava and fruit strudel.
With the meal Bulgarians will drink Rakia and Wine, two alcoholic drinks made entirely from
grapes.
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On the day of Diado Koleda itself presents are exchanged and a huge feast is eaten, this feast
starts with pacha which is a soup made from the ears, feet, nose and other parts of the pig.
After this sermi, rice and turkey is eaten and baklava is given as dessert.
When the big feast is finished families stay together and enjoy each others company while
having an alcoholic drink or two.
starts with pacha which is a soup made from the ears, feet, nose and other parts of the pig.
After this sermi, rice and turkey is eaten and baklava is given as dessert.
When the big feast is finished families stay together and enjoy each others company while
having an alcoholic drink or two.
