Easter, or the Resurrection of Christ, stands as the most significant and vibrant holiday in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Rooted in the celebration of Jesus Christ's return to life after crucifixion, Easter embodies both spiritual renewal and the triumph of spring over winter.

In Bulgaria, as in many Orthodox countries, Easter is a movable feast, falling on the Sunday of Holy Week, marked by the first spring full moon. This auspicious day heralds the culmination of Holy Week, a period of reflection and preparation preceding Easter Sunday.

The observance of Easter in Bulgaria is rich with ancient customs and traditions, blending elements of pagan rituals with Christian symbolism. Holy Week begins with the cleaning of homes, symbolizing a spiritual purification in anticipation of the holiday. Each day of Holy Week, from Great Monday to Good Friday, holds significance, leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter.

One of the most cherished traditions is the dyeing of Easter eggs, typically done on Maundy Thursday. The first egg, dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ and his resurrection, holds special significance. It is customary for the eldest woman in the family to dye this egg, imparting blessings for health and prosperity to her loved ones.

Throughout Holy Week, special ritual breads are prepared, adorned with red or white eggs and intricately braided designs. These breads, known by various names across Bulgaria, serve as symbols of renewal and abundance, shared among family and friends during Easter festivities.

Good Friday, a day of solemn reflection and fasting, culminates in the veneration of the shroud symbolizing Christ's burial. Believers gather in churches to pass under the shroud, seeking spiritual purification and renewal.

Holy Saturday, known as Soulful Saturday, is a time for honoring the departed. At midnight, the joyous celebration of Easter begins, as churches resound with the triumphant proclamation, "Christ is Risen!"

Easter is celebrated for three days. On Sunday morning (or during the night), Bulgarians go to church for the solemn Easter liturgy, after which it is the turn of the festive table, around which the whole family gathers. On it, the ritual bread is first broken by the eldest in the house into as many pieces as there are people in the family, leaving a piece of bread for God as well.

On Easter Sunday, everyone wears new clothes. The first dance after Sirni Zagovezni is also played. It is exuberant and cheerful and is an expression of people's joy at the resurrection of nature for a new life, of faith in the victory of good over evil.

One of the most beloved Easter customs is the egg cracking game, where participants compete to see whose egg will remain uncracked. It is believed that the winner will enjoy good health and fortune in the coming year.

Easter Monday, also known as Bright Sunday or Scattered Monday, is a day of playful traditions, including the "swings" custom where young people gather to swing for health and protection.

In Bulgaria, Easter is not only a time of spiritual reflection but also a celebration of community and tradition, where ancient customs are cherished and passed down through generations.

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