Old traditions on Eve ( night before Christmas) and on Christmas in Bulgaria
There are very old traditions which are celebrated now but/ more/ mainly in the villages.
In the night before Christmas, the whole family gathers for dinner. The oldest man lights a fire in the home (fireplace). In the fire he puts particularly sharp oak or pear tree, which burns all night.
On the table are placed an odd number- seven, nine or eleven vegetables dishes. Cake made by hand, boiled corn, boiled beans, walnuts and other nuts, honey, fresh fruits, dried fruits and etc.
Cake which is made by hand and is one of the most important dishes on the table. It’s decorated with figures symbolizing fertility.
On the table owner of the house raised high the above his head the cake and says a prayer loaf.
When all family is already to had a dinner the cake is broken by the oldest at the table, the first piece is called the Mother of God or the house. Other pieces are distributed in turn by adults to the smallest.
Every looking for a hidden track on his steam/cent. Which it found to be rich and happy throughout year. Also leaving the table with dishes all night to be able to enter the Virgin Mary in every home.
Midnight going to/ start younger boys dressed in traditional clothes called Christmas boys. They visited the houses ( for present and wishes to the family)
