Ignazhden is one of the most significant winter holidays of the year. According to folk beliefs, the new sun is born on this day and the beginning of the new agricultural year is set. In the past, the new year was celebrated on Ignazhden.
On December 20, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy martyr Ignatius the God-bearer. Ignatius was born in the city of Antioch and is believed to be of Eastern descent. He was a bishop in his native city for many years, ordained by Saint Peter the Apostle. Diligently preached the word of God and lived a pious life. Martyred and torn apart by beasts in Rome.
They say that the Christmas holidays begin on Ignazhden, because on that day the birth pains of the Virgin Mary also began.
Today's holiday is also associated with a very important custom called " polažvane". It is believed that by the first guest who enters your home, you will guess what your year will be. So be careful!
It is also important not to take anything out of the house (even garbage) and when you come home in the evening to bring something to make your new year full and bountiful.
If you do have guests, don't forget about the festive table. It should have festive pita and only lean dishes, such as boiled wheat, beans, bulgur, pickle, oshav, walnuts, garlic, stuffed peppers.
On Ignazhden no money is lent, and one should not be angry about anything.
Also no work is done and especially by those women who want to conceive or are pregnant. According to folk beliefs, the childless will get pregnant easily, and those expecting a baby will have an easy birth.
Today's name day is celebrated by Ignat, Iskra, Iskren, Ognyan, Ognyana, Svetla, Svetoslav, Plamen, Plamena and others. Happy Directory Day!
