Merry Christmas! A Time for Family, Warmth, and Reflection
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the most family-oriented and radiant holiday of the year. It’s time to gather with our nearest and dearest, to share warmth and love.
At Dnes.bg, we wish all our readers health, light in their hearts, love, and many successes for the coming year. May goodness and humanity remain with you, and in return, may you receive much love, support, and fulfilled dreams.
After the fasting and humility of Christmas Eve, the Christian world celebrates Christmas Day, also known as Kolyada, or Bожик/Bожич in some regions.
According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was born in the city of Bethlehem, in the province of Judea. Just before his birth, Mary, accompanied by Joseph, traveled to Bethlehem. Unable to find accommodations in the local inn, they took refuge in a cave outside the city, where shepherds kept their flocks.
In this humble setting, Mary gave birth to her son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, where an ox and a donkey provided warmth. At that very moment, a brilliant light shone in the sky, and an angel appeared to the nearby shepherds, announcing the birth of the Savior.
The shepherds of Bethlehem were the first to pay homage to the infant Jesus, who was later honored by three wise men from the East, guided by a shining star above Bethlehem.
In the popular calendar, Christmas begins at midnight with a tradition called Kolyuvane. Young, unmarried men, known as ‘kolyadari’ or ‘kolendari,’ go door-to-door singing special Christmas carols, wishing health, happiness, and abundant harvests. In return, homeowners give them traditional ‘kolendari’ gifts, money, and various food items.
On Christmas Day, families gather for a feast, unlike the fasting of Christmas Eve. The traditional meal includes roasted pork, fresh bread, meat-filled banitsa, roasted chicken, and other dishes. Believers attend church services to celebrate the holiday.
The Christmas festivities continue until St. Stephen’s Day (December 27), and no work is done during these three holy days.
Those who celebrate their name day on Christmas include Christo, Hristina, Hristofor, Radost, Radostin, Radostina, Radislav, Rajko, Radka, Yosif, Bozhan, Bozhana, Bozhin, Bozhil, and others.
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