Saint George’s day in the Balkans - customs and rituals in Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia

Abstract

This study gives an insight into the geographical distribution of the customary practices and the inter-cultural exchange between the societies that live in the Balkans. It focuses on finding the similarities and differences in some traditional customs of different nations practiced on St. George’s Day. By examining and comparing practices of Orthodox rural communities of Slavic origin, some representable religious and magical rituals, folklore and traditions incorporated in the festivities dedicated to Saint George in three Balkan countries — Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia are presented. The legendary image of the Saint and his characteristics contributed to the numerous and various customs and traditions connected to communal celebrations which can be clearly spotted in the defined geographical area, especially among rural communities. Within parallel existence and interrelationship between Balkan communities and intermingling of nations, the common roots and the development of similar ethnographic heritage, certain overlapping between Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia in celebrating St. George’s Day are evident.