In the Bulgarian tradition, the table for every Christian holiday carries a special symbolism and there is nothing accidental about it. Before proceeding to placing the dishes, we should know that the arrangement of the table itself and the main details that must be present on it are no less important.
The transfer
Before dinner begins, the home should be incensed. The transmission is done by the oldest member of the family. It starts with the table, then continues with all the rooms in the house and finally with the outbuildings in the yard.
It is believed that burning incense drives away evil forces, protects against diseases and lessons.
The obligatory rituals
Christmas Eve dinner starts earlier than usual so that the wheat ripens early. During feeding, one should not get up from the table so that the hens lie on the eggs and stir the chicks. Don’t forget to put all the dishes on the table at the beginning of the evening. Because then you don’t have to get up, serve and serve. Only the mistress can get up, but she must walk stooped in order to winnow the grains of grain. The table is not raised all night, so that luck does not escape from the house. It is believed that when the family falls asleep, the relatives of the deceased come to dine.
Under each plate, place a coin for financial luck.
A delicious bread for Christmas Eve that is prepared in 20 minutes
The fire
Traditionally, the hearth in the home burns all night on Christmas Eve. In modern homes, we don’t have a hearth anymore, so make sure to light a candle. Keep her flame burning all evening long.
The dishes
Christmas Eve is the last day of the Christmas fast. Even if you do not observe the tradition of fasting, on this holy evening the table must consist of only lean dishes – without meat and animal products.
The dishes should be an odd number, most often 9. Your taste and imagination will guide you in what to cook, but there are dishes that carry special symbolism and must be on the table.
Delicious lentil puree for Christmas Eve
The pie
At every traditional Bulgarian holiday, the bread is in the center of the table and all the other dishes are lined up around it. The bread is round in shape to symbolize the sun. Women who will marry in the coming year should not knead bread dough, so as not to take fertility out of the home. A coin is placed in the bread and it is broken by the oldest person at the table. The first piece is set aside for the Mother of God, the rest are distributed to the members of the family, starting with the eldest. Pieces are left for the house and for the animals.
If the steam falls in the piece for the Virgin, the year will be the best for everyone.
Fresh or dried fruit – symbolize fertility
Walnuts
Each nut should be named after a family member. Nuts are broken, and depending on whether the nut is whole or not, one can guess what luck will be in the coming year. According to popular belief, a large walnut is placed in each corner of the table for good luck.
Lean Cabbage Sarmi for Christmas Eve – a must do if you want them to be irresistibly delicious
Beans, lentils, rice, bulgur
Mandatory on the table there must be at least one dish of foods that swell, so that the year is fertile and blessed. You can make beans, lentils, stuffed peppers with beans or rice, lean rice noodles or whatever you like, but don’t forget these items.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most ritual products in the Bulgarian tradition and has a special symbolism. Garlic protects against evil forces, diseases, evil eyes, envy.
Salt
In the Bulgarian tradition, salt is sacred. People say that a house cannot be without salt. Where the salt runs out, disease begins. Be sure to place a small pan of salt.
Sweets
Sweet dishes are important to make your life sweet in the new year. One of the most popular Christmas Eve sweets is roasted pumpkin with honey. Honey symbolizes wisdom. Even if you’re not cooking pumpkin, don’t forget to put a jar of honey on the table.
Each member of the family should try all the dishes on the table for good luck and success in the coming year.
