Spring Holidays

Saturday March 1st was Baba Marta Day in Bulgaria. As I explained in my last post, this is a day to pass out bracelets for good luck and good health. I spent the whole day tying on bracelets, wishing good health and enjoying the amazing weather. I might of gotten carried away with warmer temperatures. I decided to sport a sun dress and flip flops. When my first counterpart saw me on the street she said that I would cause the weather to change and we would have cold rainy weather.........since my outfit was premature. Right up until the end of the day I was exchanging bracelets. Since this took place on the weekend, the entire town was exchanging for most of the week.

Monday March 3rd was the Bulgarian Independence day. I had been invited to join in on the festivities that took place in the center. The Municipality leadership and employees as well as the local military and my dance group came together in the center to celebrate their freedom from Turkish rule. The next day represents a morning of those who died for the freedom of their country.

I just happened to have a meeting in the Municipality that day to discuss my apartment situation. Before the meeting I was shuffled into the main entrance where all the Municipality workers stood with lit candles and the local monks cleansing the building for the new leadership/new year and also to remember the dead..............like our memorial day, only just after our independence day.

Saturday March 8th was Women's Day (March is women's month). This day has alot of symbolism. Not only does is it a day to recognize all the efforts of women but also it follows the continuation of holidays in Spring that celebrate new life, a new start and good health. Women give life and maybe even one can connect women with keeping the family / children healthy. This day began with a festival in our center to with Kukerie dancers. Five of our villages were represented in the National Kukerie festival only the weekend before. All 8 of our villages were represented with their kukerie groups this day. Amazing costumes and kukerie of all ages and size filled the town square and the whole town was there to watch. The last group to perform had 10 and 15 foot head dresses made of owl feathers.

Being that this was women's day, I (being female) had been invited to a little banquet at the tourist hostel. The owner had prepared salads, fried potatoes, Bulgarian meat and lots of sweets. I was at least 1/3 the age of most of the women there but it was so much fun. We danced the horo, ate till I thought I would never move and exchanged spring bouquets with each other. All the women were grandmothers and being that I was the only one without a family, I was asked repeatedly about my plans to start one and if it would be with a Bulgarian who would convince me to stay and keep me barefoot and pregnant. I just smiled (holding back my chuck reflex) and said I have plenty of time for those things.

The next day, March 9th was the national day of forgiveness. This is a day celebrated with the family. The younger members of the family as for the forgiveness of the older family members. An egg is given to those asking for forgiveness........again symbolizing new life and a new beginning. This past Sunday was Easter in the United States though Easter for the Eastern Orthodox is not celebrated until April 27th. The traditions seem to be similar. They also incorporate painted eggs and an appearance at the local church. The next big holiday that I am aware of is the Rose Festival. This begins the first week of June. Preparations will begin long before. I live in the Rose Valley and our city has a large role in this holiday. Rose oil will be put into our water fountain filling the air with an amazing smell of roses. I have been told by my dance team that I will be dancing with them in the center for the whole town at the Rose Festival..........insert biting fingernails. Should be worth a photo or two!