Bulgarian Orthodox Christians Honor Winter Holy Cross Day
Culture | January 5, 2013, Saturday| 1134 views
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Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria celebrate the day of the winter Holy Cross on January 5th. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks Saturday the winter Holly Cross Day.
Bulgarian people believe that on January 5th, the so-called "dirty days," which begin on December 25th are being chased away.
The priest blesses the water by placing a cross in it. With this water and a bunch of sweet basil, he goes around homes to bless them. Hosts put coins in the pot and give him gifts.
The ritual is connected to the belief sprinkling with blessed water chases away the evil.
People also sip from the water in order to purify themselves from the villain forces inside them.
The winter Holy Cross Day is a day of fasting. The religious holiday is a connection between New Year's Eve and St. Jordan's Day.
Tags: orthodox church, Holy Cross Day, winter, evil
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