by Ronesa Aveela | Oct 26, 2020 | Bulgaria, Bulgarian Art
Today, October 26, is St. Demetrius’ Day. This saint was often said to be the twin of St. George, the mighty dragon slayer. He’s the protector of winter and cold, and the patron saint of soldiers and the crusades. His holiday marks the end of the farming...
by Ronesa Aveela | Sep 11, 2020 | Bulgaria, Bulgarian Art, Events, Holidays, Rituals and Traditions
September is here. We’ve had many sunny days this summer where I live in Virginia, but now the sunrise is coming a little later each day, and the nights are getting cooler. I find myself thinking about what changes autumn will bring in this unusual year. I want...
by Ronesa Aveela | Aug 14, 2020 | Bulgaria, Bulgarian Art, Eastern Europe, History, Holidays, Mythology and Folklore
When I was younger, I loved to sit on the porch during a summer thunderstorm, hearing the rain pound on the roof and watch the lightning spit across the sky. This was especially enjoyable right after a steamy day, as the rain brought with it a cool breeze. Long ago in...
by Ronesa Aveela | Mar 6, 2020 | Books, Bulgaria, Bulgarian Art, Holidays, Rituals and Traditions
The following is an excerpt from my memoir, The Wanderer. According to Orthodox tradition, every spring before Easter, we ask our relatives for forgiveness. We also call our parents and other relatives in Bulgaria and ask their forgiveness. Even if we haven’t hurt or...
by Ronesa Aveela | Feb 1, 2020 | Bulgaria, Bulgarian Art, Mythology and Folklore, Rituals and Traditions
Bulgaria is known as the birthplace of the ancient singer and musician Orpheus. We don’t know exactly where his birthplace was, but tradition indicates it was somewhere in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains in southeastern Bulgaria, which was part of ancient Thrace....
