Light Love Rituals HARDCOVER

Light Love Rituals: Bulgarian Traditions Through the Seasons

Step into a living tradition where ancient myth, seasonal ritual, and everyday life intertwine.

Rooted in customs that stretch back to the Thracians and shaped by centuries of pagan and Christian influence, Light Love Rituals invites readers to experience Bulgarian traditions as they are lived—through festivals, food, family, and folklore.

Travel through the year alongside a fictional Bulgarian family as winter gives way to spring, summer, and autumn. Along the way, you’ll witness fire dancers moving through glowing embers, Kukeri chasing away evil spirits with bells and masks, girls crowned with wildflowers, and villages celebrating health, love, and renewal.

This book blends storytelling and tradition in a way that’s accessible to readers of all ages:

• Explore the ancient origins behind Bulgarian holidays and rituals
• Learn how traditions evolved as pagan and Christian beliefs merged
• Create your own martenitsi, survachka, and naturally dyed Easter eggs
• Test your knowledge with short seasonal quizzes
• Enjoy traditional Bulgarian recipes that bring each celebration to the table

Whether you’re discovering Bulgarian culture for the first time or reconnecting with heritage, Light Love Rituals offers a warm, immersive journey into traditions that are meant to be shared, practiced, and remembered.

CONTENTS

WINTER

• Budni Vecher
• Survaki
• Trifonovden   

SPRING

• Orthodox Lenten Season
• Baba Marta Den
• Sirni Zagovezni
• Kukerovden
• Todorovden
• Blagovets
• Lazarovden
• Tsvetnitsa
• Velikden

SUMMER

• Kostadinovden
• Eniovden
• Prokopi Pchelar

FALL

• Dimitrovden
• Arkhangelovden
• Nikulden

MARIA'S KITCHEN

• Bulgarian Cuisine
• Banitsa
• Katmi
• Patatnik
• Sarmi
• Rhodopean Klin
• Zucchini with Yogurt
• Thracian Guvetch
• Tikvenik
• Rhodope Baked Beans
• Easy Baklava
• Koledna Pitka
• Lazy Koledna Pitka