This year, 2015, we celebrate Ignazhden on December 19, instead of December 20, because that is according to the official calendar of the Bulgarian Patriarchate.
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. Legend has it that then the birth pains of the Virgin Mary began.
In the past, the new year was celebrated on Ignazhden. Today's holiday is also associated with a very important custom called "pālazvane" 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 so that you have a full and generous new year.
If you do have guests, don't forget about the festive table. There should be festive pita on it and only lean dishes, such as boiled wheat, beans, bulgur, 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, the Orthodox Church honors 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.
On today's holiday, the name day is celebrated by Plamen, Ognyan, Plamena, Ignat and others
Happy Holidays!
