Bulgaria is famous for its wine

Bulgaria will celebrate the day of the patron saint of winemakers

February 14 is a very popular date in many countries, because on this day throughout the Christian world is celebrated St. Valentine's Day, patron saint of lovers. However, in Bulgaria this holiday is celebrated not only by the loving couples. The fact is that on February 14 here is celebrated the holiday in honor of a Christian priest Tryphon, who was executed in Nicaea in 250.

According to the legend, the day of the death of the martyr all vineyards of the country was attacked by locusts, and to protect the farms winemakers called for St. Tryphon. Therefore, St. Tryphon is the patron saint of winegrowers, winemakers and owners of taverns. And on St. Tryphon Day people started to prune the vines to get bigger harvest in autumn, so the name of the Bulgarian is the Day of St. Tryphon Zarezan (the Pruned). In Bulgaria St. Tryphon is highly honored and his holiday is richly celebrated.

From the early morning on February 14 the Bulgarian housewives start to prepare a special meal (unleavened bread and chicken stuffed with rice), and then, together with the house wine, poured into a wooden bottle, they give these courses to the owner of the vineyard, who goes to the vineyards, where gather all other men of the village. At the vineyards all the owners turn to the sun and baptize three times. Then they cut the first three branches and pour the cut places with red wine, holy water and sprinkle with ashes, which shall be kept since Christmas Eve. And then they start to cut the vines. Upon completion are held elections for the king of vineyards. King is wearing a crown of vines and a grape garland. He sits in a cart, which is pulled by the wine-growers themselves.

When they reach the village, the procession walks on the streets, stopping before each house. They are treated with wine in white bottles. Remains of the wine the king throws over his shoulder under the universal cry: "Let our harvest will be rich! Let our home be a full cup!" The festivities are continued almost until morning.

Date: 13/02/2011