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 | Jul 10, 2020 | Bulgaria, Food, Holidays
In the northern hemisphere, July means summer, beach, happiness, sun, school vacation, and travel. Also in July there’s a unique, modern Bulgarian tradition unknown to the rest of the world. It’s called July Morning. People from all over the country travel to the...
by Ronesa Aveela | May 27, 2020 | Books, Holidays, Mythology and Folklore, Rituals and Traditions
An excerpt from A Study of Rusalki – Slavic Mermaids of Eastern Europe. — Spassovden (or the Ascension) is a zadushnitsa, one of many days throughout the year associated with the dead, although not specifically those who are “unclean dead” like Rusalki....
by Ronesa Aveela | May 8, 2020 | Books, Bulgaria, Holidays
The following is an abridged version of a chapter from The Wanderer – A Tear and a Smile: Reflection of an Immigrant, Ronesa’s memoir about the challenges and joys of being an immigrant, with many reflections on life and customs in Bulgaria. *** We love...
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 29, 2020 | Bulgaria, Holidays
2020 is a leap year, so we get an extra day this February. People around the world have various customs and beliefs about February 29 and even the entire leap year. February 29 is the feast day of Saint Cassian, also called “Cassian the Unmerciful.” He was a demonic...
