Bulgarian superstitions and curious traditions – Part 2

Superstitions have always been passed through generations and all of us have had our fair share of them throughout our lives. Either you had relatives with strong beliefs towards them, or they were just part of your culture. We have already introduced you to some of Bulgaria’s superstitions and curious traditions in this article. Let’s check more!

Some of them are quite silly, but others are rather interesting, so here are some of the typical Bulgaria superstitions.

“Every day” superstitions

Did you know that…

• Leaving bread upside down is believed to bring misfortune and bad attitude in the house?
• Some Bulgarians don’t even give salt to their neighbors, due to the belief that by doing so, they are giving part of the family happiness?
• Usually, swallows are signs of spring, but if one decides to make its nest on the roof of your house in Bulgaria, it’s said that peace and tranquility will come to that home?
• If you sneeze, then someone is for sure talking about you?
• Is your palm itchy? Which one? If you visit Bulgaria and you need to scratch your left hand, it means that you are about to receive money, but if your right hand is itching, you must get ready to give some away. 

These are only some of the superstitions that you can find in Bulgaria, and if you think that they are interesting, then continue reading.

Casting a bullet

To cast a bullet in Bulgaria is often connected to getting rid of bad superstition, also dark magic or fear. Referred by some as folk medicine, it is said that it helps with fright, general weakness, insomnia or anxiety.

When casting a bullet, a piece of lead is melted, then dropped into cold water. Furthermore, some people even say that sometimes the lead will form into the shape of your biggest fear.

The person in need takes the bullet and needs to carry it for 5 days, or put it under the pillow he/she is sleeping on for several days. After that, the bullet is thrown into a river, so the water can wash away everything bad.

The Kukeri

Speaking of chasing bad spirits and dark magic away there is no way we are not mentioning this Bulgarian ritual – one of the most bizarre among curious traditions!

The Kukeri take part in one of the most ancient traditions in Bulgaria, a ritual that is intended to scare away the evil spirits.

Around New Year (January or February – depending on the region) people get dressed in costumes that are made of fur, leather, and wooden elements. They put on scary masks with animalistic features, and hang on their belts as many bells as they can carry because it’s believed that the sound of the bells will push away all evil spirits. The tradition is also believed to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness during the new year.

Find more about Kukeri in this amazing blog by our friends from the Free Sofia Tour!

All around the world we can find all kinds of superstitions and curious traditions. Some of them strange at first sight, others more peculiar and puzzling. Intertwining with cultures and fear of the unknown, superstitions are always there to bewilder everyone and remind us to always question everything.

Author: Free Plovdiv Tour Guide – Aleksander Filipov

Also check:

Bulgarian superstitions and curious traditions

St. Jordan’s Day or Epiphany

Palm Sunday In Bulgaria