Helpful information
Trifon Zarezan: an alternative to Valentine's Day in Bulgaria
Trifon Zarezan: an alternative to Valentine's Day in Bulgaria
Every year on Valentine's Day, Bulgarians not only celebrate the day of love (or miss the absence of it), but also celebrate the Day of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of vineyards. This day is dedicated to wine and feasts. A cultural excursion allows you to take a different look at the history of this centuries-old tradition and an alternative to the day of flowers and chocolate.
Valentine's Day, February 14, may be a major event for many people around the world, married or not, but in the Balkan country of Bulgaria, Valentine's Day takes a backseat. The Day of Tryphon Zarezan has been celebrated in the country for centuries, and if you are tired of celebrating the day of sweet love, which takes place annually in February, this may be the holiday for you.
What are the traditions on Tryphon Zarezan?
Traditionally, the Day of Tryphon Zarezan was the first day of work in the vineyards that spread throughout the Bulgarian countryside - cutting unnecessary branches in early February. The ritual often involves a Christian priest who blesses the vineyards, since Saint Tryphon is considered the guardian of the vineyards and the protector of all winemakers. After the ritual is completed, a feast begins and the workers who worked on the pruning of the vine are treated to meat, cheese and wine. If you are in Bulgaria during the period of Tryphon Zarezan, it is always worth checking the websites of local winegrowers - some of them continue the tradition to this day.
Who was Saint Tryphon and what is his attitude towards wine?
Saint Tryphon was a third-century Christian martyr who lived in the Roman Empire in what is now Turkey and was known as an animal healer. However, during the persecution of the pagan emperor Decius, in 250 AD, Tryphon was beheaded for his Christian beliefs, thus cementing the legend. How it came to be associated with wine is a mystery that has persisted for millennia. His images are associated with the pagan god Dionysius, who was worshiped by the ancient Thracians. As a rule, the church celebrates Saint Tryphon on February 1, while the rest of the population does it on February 14 - this is due to the transition of Bulgaria from the old Julian calendar, which was used by the church, to the Gregorian calendar during the First World War.
The legend of Saint Tryphon
One of the legends that can explain Saint Tryphon's connection with wine and his connection with Valentine's Day is the legend of an accident when he cut a vine. History testifies that Saint Tryphon, working on pruning and caring for vineyards, saw a beautiful woman passing by the field. It is said that Tryphon was so fascinated by the woman that, looking at her, he accidentally cut off part of his nose.
Trifon Slaughtered or Valentine's Day?
Every year in February, a discussion begins in Bulgaria about which holiday really belongs on February 14th. Some argue about the priority of observing the traditions of the Day of Tryphon Zazeran, while young Bulgarians tend to choose St. Valentine's Day over St. Tryphon. However, in recent years this heated discussion has been calmed by a rather brilliant compromise - the combination of two holidays. Now it is not uncommon to see the perfect combination - wine and love.
Valentine's Day, February 14, may be a major event for many people around the world, married or not, but in the Balkan country of Bulgaria, Valentine's Day takes a backseat. The Day of Tryphon Zarezan has been celebrated in the country for centuries, and if you are tired of celebrating the day of sweet love, which takes place annually in February, this may be the holiday for you.
What are the traditions on Tryphon Zarezan?
Traditionally, the Day of Tryphon Zarezan was the first day of work in the vineyards that spread throughout the Bulgarian countryside - cutting unnecessary branches in early February. The ritual often involves a Christian priest who blesses the vineyards, since Saint Tryphon is considered the guardian of the vineyards and the protector of all winemakers. After the ritual is completed, a feast begins and the workers who worked on the pruning of the vine are treated to meat, cheese and wine. If you are in Bulgaria during the period of Tryphon Zarezan, it is always worth checking the websites of local winegrowers - some of them continue the tradition to this day.
Who was Saint Tryphon and what is his attitude towards wine?
Saint Tryphon was a third-century Christian martyr who lived in the Roman Empire in what is now Turkey and was known as an animal healer. However, during the persecution of the pagan emperor Decius, in 250 AD, Tryphon was beheaded for his Christian beliefs, thus cementing the legend. How it came to be associated with wine is a mystery that has persisted for millennia. His images are associated with the pagan god Dionysius, who was worshiped by the ancient Thracians. As a rule, the church celebrates Saint Tryphon on February 1, while the rest of the population does it on February 14 - this is due to the transition of Bulgaria from the old Julian calendar, which was used by the church, to the Gregorian calendar during the First World War.
The legend of Saint Tryphon
One of the legends that can explain Saint Tryphon's connection with wine and his connection with Valentine's Day is the legend of an accident when he cut a vine. History testifies that Saint Tryphon, working on pruning and caring for vineyards, saw a beautiful woman passing by the field. It is said that Tryphon was so fascinated by the woman that, looking at her, he accidentally cut off part of his nose.
Trifon Slaughtered or Valentine's Day?
Every year in February, a discussion begins in Bulgaria about which holiday really belongs on February 14th. Some argue about the priority of observing the traditions of the Day of Tryphon Zazeran, while young Bulgarians tend to choose St. Valentine's Day over St. Tryphon. However, in recent years this heated discussion has been calmed by a rather brilliant compromise - the combination of two holidays. Now it is not uncommon to see the perfect combination - wine and love.
04-02-2023