On June 24, an extraordinary holiday is celebrated – Enyovden (Midsummer) – a celebration of the sun, herbs and waters. A few years before the new era, St. John the Baptist was born – the man who foretold the coming of the Messiah. It is to him that the holiday is dedicated, which in the Bulgarian lands is known as Enyovden. The traditions we see on this day are extremely interesting. Although they are dedicated to this character so important to Christianity, they are not typical of the religion. According to some researchers, Enyovden celebrations date back to the time of the mystical Thracians. The day itself coincides with the summer solstice, therefore the cult of the sun is present in many beliefs.
Enyovden is one of the most important summer holidays in the national calendar. It is associated with many beliefs about the healing power of the sun, water and plants, which is why it is celebrated as a holiday of herbalists. The most collected herbs on New Year’s Day are galium, melilotus, primrose, lemon balm.
The herbs are used to make Enyovden wristbands and wreaths tied with red thread, which are used for healing throughout the year. Somewhere there are as many wrists as there are family members. They are named after them and left outside at night. In the morning, the health of the one whose wrist is named is divined. Then the wreaths are hung around the house. They use them to incense the sick or bathe them with water in which they have melted their wrists.
With the grasses and flowers collected on the holiday, a large Enyo wreath is made, through which everyone looks for health. It is also preserved and used against diseases.
Old Bulgarians remember the tales of their ancestors. They told them that whoever sees the sun playing on the morning of the holiday will be healthy all year. The power of the heavenly light made the water healing, and the morning dew held magic. At the fest, the old healers go at night and pour water from some mountain spring. This must be done in complete silence, and the water is called “silent”. She acquires a supernatural power, which, however, will disappear if a human voice is heard somewhere. Traditions have also preserved another belief. Where someone has buried and hidden his possessions, a blue flame will burn on Enyovden’s Eve and anyone can find it. All this, of course, is part of folklore. June 24 continues to be celebrated with similar mystical and interesting customs that often baffle the uninitiated or foreigners. The beauty of Enyovden lies in the Bulgarian spirit, which has been preserved through the long centuries of development and turning points in history. Unperturbed by time or reality, the traditions retain their mystical beauty and will probably live forever on the wonderful lands of mother Bulgaria.
