Annunciation: customs, table and names

Annunciation: customs, table and names

On March 25, we celebrate the Annunciation, also called Blagovets. The Orthodox Church celebrates the news of the Savior's birth. The Virgin Mary realizes that she has conceived a son who will be called Jesus and will be worshiped by all the people.

It is allowed to eat fish on this day.

Annunciation is associated with the announcement of the coming spring. According to folk beliefs, the cuckoo crows for the first time on this day, reminding us that warm days are coming.

Nouns:

Blagovest, Blagovesta, Blagoy, Blaga, Blago, Evelina, Evangelina

Customs

In Bulgaria, the custom of Kukuvden is known. Special ritual songs are sung for the coming of spring. When a person hears the cuckoo on this day, he should touch bread so that the year will be fertile and rich.

The young women, on the other hand, look for where the cuckoo has landed, tear off the branches and put them in their bosoms so that they can soon find a home.

Annunciation is also connected with the lighting of fires as a symbol of purification. Everyone collects the garbage from their home and lights a spring bonfire. Ritual songs are sung again – this time by young maidens.

Today's Gospel accounts say that girls should not skip and weave, because pain will overtake them, and boys should not lie down.

The wild ones, the snakes and the guests crawl out at the Annunciation. The owner of the house chases them with fire or spells. She ran around the house and shouted - "Run snakes and guests, God is coming!". The snake is a sacred creature for the Bulgarians, the cause of death and sin.

No housework allowed.

A meal

As already mentioned, the consumption of fish is allowed on the Annunciation. In addition, a pie, a ritual pita and a bow should be present on the table. The consumption of wine is allowed.