Koledari (Bulgarian: коледари; from common Slavic
Koleda, "Christmas")
is the
Bulgarian term for
Christmas carolers. In Bulgaria, carolers (called
koledari or survakari) traditionally start their
rounds at
midnight on
Christmas Eve. They visit the houses of their relatives,
neighbours and other people in the village. Koledari are
usually boys. Each caroler carries a
cornel stick called survachka or surovachka,
with which each one of them pats the backs of their parents,
grandparents, and friends, thereby wishing them health,
wealth and happiness.
Categories: Christmas traditions