Title: Bulgaria Celebrates St. Ivan Rilski Day on January 7
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks St. Ivan Rilski Day (Ивановден) on January 7, commemorating the memory of St. John the Baptist, the final Old Testament prophet and the one who baptized Jesus Christ. Known also as the ‘forerunner’, he foretold the coming of Christ on earth.
Born six months before Jesus Christ, John started preaching at the age of 30. His life’s main mission was to prepare the way for Christ’s coming, urging people to repent for their sins and open their hearts to God. As a symbol of purification, he baptized the repentant with water. At just 34 years old, he was imprisoned and beheaded at the orders of King Herod Antipas.
St. John’s life of spiritual purity and his martyr death have led many to compare him to an angel rather than a man. In icons, he is depicted wearing camel’s hair clothing, a leather belt, and angel-like wings, symbolizing his moral purity and dignity as the forerunner. In his left hand, he holds an open scroll inscribed with the words, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
In Bulgarian folklore, Ivanovden practices and traditions are connected with the purifying power of water, blessed the previous day (Theophany, or Jordanovden). The period of ‘dirty days’ has passed, and everyone looks forward to the fulfillment of predictions for good health, abundance, and a happy life. St. Ivan is revered as the patron saint of godparenthood and siblinghood.
Early in the morning, households bring in fresh water, fill large containers, and bathe their children to ensure their health. St. Ivan is also considered the patron saint of godparenthood, so families visit their godparents, who bring a dish called ‘pivka’—meat, wine, and bread, often a round loaf of bread.
On Ivanovden, the last New Year’s masqueraders parade. In some regions, they take the leader of the group to the town’s well and ‘bathe’ him, disliking the old year’s misfortunes and attracting good health and abundance for the new year. Kukeri also perform their final ritual dances to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
The meal on Ivanovden is no longer fasting. It necessarily includes pork meat with cabbage and boiled grain, but also sausage, bacon, beans, and sometimes tripe. According to recent data from the National Statistical Institute, approximately 330,000 Bulgarians celebrate their nameday on Ivanovden— names such as Ivan, Ivanka, Ivaylo, Iva, Vanya, Voin, Joan, Johanna, Kaloyan, Yoan, Yoana, Yovko, Yovka, and many others.
Follow us for more current news on:
- Google News Showcase (Google News Showcase)
- VIBER
Related reading