Celebrating Name Days in Bulgaria
Source: Canva
Bulgaria has a unique celebration known as Name Day. Name Day, or "Imen den" in Bulgarian, is deeply rooted in religious and historical customs.
If you dive deep into the Bulgarian holiday calendar, you will find that there is almost no day without a special celebration for somebody's name. For some people, this day is an even bigger celebration than a birthday.
The celebration usually involves family gatherings, festive meals, and warm wishes. Unlike birthdays, which are based on the individual's birth date, Name Days are shared by everyone with the same name. This fact brings a sense of unity among different people who share a name and celebrate on the same day.
One of the traditions during Name Day celebrations is for the person whose Name Day it is to host friends and family at their house, serving a variety of dishes, desserts, and most importantly - bonbons.
If you go to a Name Day celebration, it is also suitable to bring some small gifts for the “Imennik” – the person who has the Name Day. In schools, kids also celebrate these dates, bringing bonbons and going from one desk to another to give a bonbon to their classmates. In return, the other classmates offer positive wishes. The same happens in the workplace, where warm wishes, bonbons, and flowers are typical to see when somebody has a special Name Day.
January is a month full of special occasions to celebrate when it comes to Name Days. Right after the festive season with tons of celebrations at the end of December, you welcome the new year again with celebrations.
Maybe you decide that all those family and friends gathering, and eating tons of food are over. You are wrong, my friend.
The beginning of January brings Vasilov Den (The Name Day of Vasil) on the 1st of January. Good luck if your name is Vasil, and you are again expecting guests to come to your home. Consider that on this day, it is not necessary to invite guests, but it is not a problem if they come without an invitation.
On 6th January is Iordanov Den – a very big and respected holiday and Name Day for Bulgarians. People with the names Jordan, Iordanka, and many others have their special day. The same happens on 7th January – Ivanov Den. Bogdan, Bogdana, Bogomil, Bogomila, Jordan, Iordanka, Teodosil, Yordan, Yordanka.
On the 17th of January, it is Antonov Den – so we congratulate people with the names Andon, Anton, Antonia, Dona, Doncho, Donka.
Go and check this calendar, where you can find a list with the most Name Days in Bulgaria. It will be useful for you to be prepared and know when your Bulgarian friends have their special occasion and why not prepare some small gifts to surprise them with your good knowledge of Bulgarian traditions.
What is your opinion about this holiday? Do you find it strange? Do you have something similar in your country? Go and share your opinion in the Living Abroad forum here.
Source: Canva
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian