: They go from house to house singing carols that are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring health to the family.
In Slavic mythology, (or Koleda) was a deity representing the infant sun born during the winter solstice. Ancient Slavs believed that during this time, the veil between the world of spirits and mortals was thinnest. Rituals were performed to: Scare away demons using elaborate homemade costumes. Bless households for a fertile and prosperous year ahead.
The heart of a "White Christmas" in Bulgaria is the , a ritual that begins at midnight on Christmas Eve. byala_koleda
: The practical reality of the Balkan winter, where a "White Christmas" is seen as a sign of a good harvest in the coming spring. If you tell me more, I can help you with:
: A special circular bread (often called kolach ) prepared for the carolers, representing the solar wheel and the cycle of the seasons. ❄️ Symbolism of "White" : They go from house to house singing
: In many Bulgarian regions, a primary ritual is the traditional slaughter of a pig, providing the main feast for the holiday.
: The start of a new life cycle and the cleansing of the old year. Rituals were performed to: Scare away demons using
While "Byala" literally means "white," in the context of Koleda, it represents:
