The Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria celebrate on January 18 Saint Athanasius Day (Atanasovden), which marks the middle of the winter. File photo
The Orthodox Church in Bulgaria celebrates on January 18 the Day of Saint Athanasius (Atanasovden), who is the ruler of snow and ice, The holiday marks the middle of winter.
Atanasovden like St. Antony's Day is a holiday of the blacksmiths, ironmongers, cutters and shoeing smiths, as well as a holiday to show respect to those who are ill.
Therefore, early in the morning women would bake a small flat loaf of bread, decorated with two dogs, who keep the diseases away from people.
Those who bear the name of the saint also celebrate on January 18.