Yes, I'm interested in the old European cultural traditions which have pagan roots, and certainly are colorful.
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The caption on the photos said, "Bulgaria’s New Year tradition is that of the west Bulgarian survakari, bands of masked men who tour the villages over the New Year period (14 January, old calendar) performing ritual “playlets” (mumming), dancing,"
I'm amazed at all these men who wore the costumes in parades and then different rituals...mummers, dancing! And I think of how they were created, with probably some skilled women's fingers as well!
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That last photo with the soldiers looking at the costumed man gave me pause. Bulgaria is in the EU, and NATO, but we don't hear much about it these days. I would imagine that when it was communist until the 1986 Soviet Union's demise, that photo would have been more likely. Unfortunately, none of these photos were dated.
Today's quote:
Whenever books are burned men also in the end are burned.
-Heinrich Heine, poet, journalist, and essayist (1797-1856)
...looks a bit like Mardi Gras.
ReplyDeleteSome similarity probably...though no mention of the Church being involved.
DeleteInteresting mask and costumes. Great quote at the end. Take care, have a great week!
ReplyDeleteTHanks Eileen. Have a great week yourself. I am enjoying seeing these costumes!
DeleteThose are elaborate costumes. I wonder if they're worn any other times of the year.
ReplyDeleteI would guess not...being a holiday custom that is followed by the people who carry forward what their ancestors must have done.
DeleteThose are some great costumes!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Amazing!
DeleteWow! Look at the work in creating these works of art! I am sorry America is so new it never developed such traditions. I guess the closest we come is the Macy's and the Rose Bowl parades, but there is no deep meaning or old folklore behind those. Mostly just advertising.
ReplyDeleteWell, as a nation of immigrants, there are parades (I'm thinking of New York) for St. Patrick's Day, and at one time there were Easter Parades of fashionable people, the Italians and Chinese definitely have some holiday they celebrate.
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