Bulgarian Folk Customs

Part I Background information: the ancestors of the modern Bulgarians - history, way of life, and religion; a summary of Bulgarian history; traditional Bulgarian society; Bulgarian folk costumes; folk music and instruments; folk dances - horo and ruchenista; food and folk ritual; mythology and demonology. Part II Customs relating to the family and the individual: birth and childhood; betrothal and marriage; the wedding; customs connected with building and entering a new home; customs connected with death and funerals. Part III Calender customs and festivals: the winter cycle; the spring and early summer cycle; the high summer and autumn cycle; customs connected with sowing and reaping.