Tudoritsa (Todorov's Day) in Bulgaria

One of the most striking folk holidays in Bulgaria, Todorov's Day, is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of Lent (Great Easter) Before this date, Todor's week takes place, during which strict fasting is observed According to ancient beliefs, this is a time period when the health of every person and animal, as well as the upcoming harvest, are in danger, since evil spirits and other evil spirits walk at night In some regions, such creatures are called nothing more than “Saint Todor on a snow-white horse and Baba Tudoritsa” These graceful animals are especially revered among local residents And on the day of the celebration, horses are given special attention; at this time, all rituals are aimed at caring for the horses With the first rays of sunshine, men go to the stables, where the preparation of horses for the celebration begins Animals have their manes and tails beautifully braided and decorated with colored stones Then the horses are taken to watering At this time, women traditionally prepare ritual bread in the shape of a horse or horseshoe Salt, a few garlic cloves and a walnut are placed on them While baked goods are distributed to relatives and friends, women run and neigh, pretending to be horses In ancient times, there was a belief that this ritual increases the fertility of not only horses, but also people The most interesting and memorable part of the holiday is the hound tournaments Just like many years ago, today the owners of horses demonstrate their riding skills During Todor's week there are many restrictions, primarily concerning the fairer sex Women should not walk down the street late or organize gatherings In addition, washing, plowing and sowing are prohibited before the holiday in order to protect residents and crops from bad weather Todorov's Day is one of the holiday dates associated with the transition from the winter to the summer season As an old folk legend says, on this day Saint Todor hammered a smoldering log into the ground to warm it Then he pulled off 9 sheepskin coats and went to God to beg for summer days It was not for nothing that Todor was considered the patron saint of horses; he himself was often depicted riding a horse with silver hooves and a golden bridle This is also associated with the promise that men make to their horses, preparing them for competitions traditional for the holiday If they won, they promised to silver the horse's hooves and gild the bridle Todorov's Day is still considered one of the most revered events After horse races held near populated areas, the winners traditionally invite their friends and relatives, as well as rivals, to visit In some places, a ritual meal is prepared and guests are treated