Gypsy New Year in Bulgaria

[ЛыSSый]

I'm really impressed that gypsies have official celebrities in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is really democratic country, which defends rights of different majorities, like in russian Federation.



The date of the Gypsy New Year is not only moved forward in accordance with the old Julian Calendar, but involves the tradition of the great old saint Vasil.

The festivities have their origins in several Gypsy legends. In one of them Bango Vassili is a guardian and defender of the Gypsy and rebuilt the bridge used by them after it has been destroyed by the Devil.

In others, he is a lame shepherd rescuing a drowning Gypsy child or giving shelter to a Gypsy trying to escape his enemies.

Yet another legend tells that St. Basil had saved all Gypsy from drowning in a stormy sea by sending them a flock of geese.

The Gypsy climbed on them and were able to reach a safe shore. Since then they honor their Savior on January 14 and call the holiday Vassilitsa.

Bango Vassili is a family celebration and poultry on the table is a must. It also includes stuffed cabbages, bread, wine and home made brandy known as rakia.

In all Gypsy groups the dinner on the eve of January 14 is of prime importance and includes rich symbolism. The meal is blessed and all are given forgiveness by kissing the hand of the person they might have offended.


All houses where Bango Vassili is celebrated are to remain locked until midnight on January 13 to prevent luck from escaping.

Only after the arrival of the New Year and the Day of St. Basil, the Roma begin accepting guests, hoping the first visitor to be a good person, who will bring them luck.

[ЛыSSый]

how many more new years!?

one for all and one more espesially for privileged majority.

[alfieb]

Do they steal the cabbages, bread, etc?

Obviously they are not farmers or bakers by trade.

[ЛыSSый]

Do they steal the cabbages, bread, etc?

usually they stealing everything what thay can, maybe it's a main gypsy tradition.

For example, some gypsy few months ago stole slightly less one tonn of ammunition from bulgarian military plant, gigig.