SONGS+Bulgaria

One of the most important New Year rituals is the //survakane// (wishing Happy New Year by tapping people’s backs with a specially decorated cornel twig while chanting a song). //Survakane// starts at midnight on December 31st. In some parts of Bulgaria, an ancient calendar is observed and, accordingly, the ritual takes place on January 14th. Children start preparing their cornel twigs (//survachki// or //survaknici//) days or weeks in advance and decorate them with dried fruit, pop corn, peppers, red thread, colored paper, ribbons, and apples – everything symbolic of health, longevity, diligence and holiday spirit. They set off to visit the neighboring houses and tap with their //survachka// the backs of each house’s hosts for health while chanting the blessing: //Surva, surva// //year,// //Joyful New Year!// //Golden wheat-ear in the field,// //Big bunch of grapes in the vineyard,// //Yellow maize in the wood,// //Red apple the garden,// //House full of silk,// //Life and health for the year,// //The next year and forever!// In the villages of the Rhodopi Mountain, when Kardzhali is located, the //Survakari// (children or men performing the rite) also bring to each house one heavy stone, which they leave by the fireplace as a symbolic wish that big “heavy” riches enter the house. They bless the family with the words, “As heavy as this stone is, let the purse of the master of the house be also so heavy.”
 * New Year and Christmas carols**

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