The day of Saint Dimitrios is one of the biggest feasts in the Orthodox tradition, in Bulgaria as well as Greece. In folk beliefs, St. Dimitrios is regarded as the older brother of St. George. The day of Saint Dimitrios also notes the start of winter when farm work (which began on St Georges day) is completed. Dr. Petko Christof from the Institute of Ethnology and Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences shares details about the celebration and customs. In traditional folk calendar the day of Agios Dimitrios, Agios Georgios and divide the year into two seasons-summer and winter. A proverb says Agios Georgios bring Summer, and Agios Dimitrios brings Winter. Most autumn feasts relate to (τάματα) votive offering ceremonies, says Dr Christof. “Harvesting was over and the logic of agrarian mentality required an expression of gratitude to nature and to the saints who dominate the autumn section of the calendar. Communities gathered together for ceremonies and festivities, usually at a common table including those who had been abroad to make a living. Family services began, and many of them honored St. Dimitrios who was often chosen for a family patron.” On village occasions starting from mid-October, a ritual was held where girls mature enough to get married turned up before the community for a traditional chain dance, as potential bridegrooms and their parents watched. In this way, parents chose their future daughters-in-law. bnr.bg/en/post/100476630/dimitrovden-st-demetrius-feast
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 03:35:29 +0000
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