Language/Bulgarian/Culture/Bulgarian-Folklore

Bulgarian Culture → Bulgarian Traditions → Bulgarian Folklore

As a Bulgarian language teacher of 20 years, I believe that learning about Bulgarian culture is an integral part of learning the language. In this lesson, we will delve into Bulgarian folklore, including folk songs, costumes and traditional celebrations.

Bulgarian Folk Songs

Bulgarian folk songs are a significant part of Bulgarian culture and identity. They are characterized by unique vocal techniques, complex rhythms and harmonies, and vivid storytelling. Traditional Bulgarian songs can be divided into several categories based on their function, such as work songs, ritual songs, wedding songs, and epic songs.

Here are a few examples of popular Bulgarian folk songs:

Bulgarian	Pronunciation	English
Егати ръцете	Ega-ti ră-tse-te	Raise your hands!
Имала майка един син	Ima-la ma-yka e-din sin	A mother had one son
Калинка	Ka-lin-ka	Little cranberry
Ой, мори, Стояне	Oy, mo-ri, Sto-ya-ne	Oh, Stoyan, the sea, the sea...

Bulgarian Costumes

Traditional Bulgarian costumes are colorful and embroidered, and they reflect the specific cultural and historical aspects of the different regions of Bulgaria. The traditional Bulgarian costume consists of several parts: shirt, vest, apron, skirt, socks or stockings, and shoes. Men usually wear pants with a white shirt and a vest, and sometimes a traditional hat.

Here are a few examples of traditional Bulgarian costumes:

Bulgarian	Pronunciation	English
Носия от Шопско	No-si-ya ot Shop-sko	Costume from Shopluk
Носия от Северняшко	No-si-ya ot Se-ver-nya-shko	Costume from North Bulgaria
Носия от Странджа	No-si-ya ot Stran-dzha	Costume from Strandja

Traditional Celebrations

Bulgarian traditions and celebrations reflect the country's rich history, culture, and religion. Bulgarian celebrations are usually associated with specific rituals, songs, and food.

Here are a few examples of traditional celebrations:

• Baba Marta - celebrated on March 1st, Baba Marta is a unique Bulgarian tradition that mixes pagan and Christian beliefs. On this day, Bulgarians exchange and wear red and white tassels called "martenitsi" to welcome the coming of spring.

• Kukeri - Kukeri is a traditional Bulgarian masquerade, usually organized during carnival season. Men wear elaborate costumes, masks, and bells, and dance to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

• Lazaruvane - Lazaruvane is a ritual celebrating the resurrection of Lazarus, which takes place eight days before Easter. Young girls decorate branches with ribbons and flowers, and boys visit the homes of the girls, singing and blessing them with health and fertility.

Sources

• Bulgarian Folk Music
• Bulgarian Clothing

Table of Contents - Bulgarian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Alphabet and sounds

• Cyrillic alphabet
• Vowels
• Consonants

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Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings
• Introducing yourself
• Numbers 0-100

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Bulgarian Traditions

• Bulgarian Folklore
• Cuisine
• Holidays and Customs

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Nouns and Adjectives

• Gender
• Cases
• Adjectives

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At the Restaurant

• Ordering Food
• Making Special Requests
• Paying the Bill

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Bulgarian Cinema and Literature

• Bulgarian Cinema
• Bulgarian Literature
• Literary Translation

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Perfective and Imperfective Verbs
• Past Tense

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Traveling

• Transportation
• Booking a Hotel
• Asking for Directions

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Bulgarian Music

• Bulgarian Pop Music
• Traditional Bulgarian Music
• Music Festivals

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Future Tense and Modals

• Future Tense
• Modal Verbs
• Conditional Sentences

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Celebrations and Festivities

• Birthday Parties
• Weddings and Marriage Customs
• Religious Holidays

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Bulgarian Theatre and Performance Arts

• Bulgarian Theatre
• Puppet Theatre
• Dance

Related Lessons

• Holidays in Bulgaria
• Puppet Theatre
• Dance
• Clothes in Bulgaria
• Bulgarian Theatre
• Markets and Supermarkets in Bulgaria
• At the restaurant
• How to say ‘Hello’ in Bulgarian
• Bulgaria Timeline
• Cuisine