Traditional preparations for Easter 2007 in Bulgaria

SofiaEcho, 05 April 2007

Traditional preparations for Easter in Bulgaria already started.
On April 5, known as Holy Thursday people start colouring eggs. According to traditions, egg decoration should start early in the morning.

Another day during which egg colouring can take place is the Saturday before Easter.

The first egg should be coloured red. Once it is dyed, the egg is used to draw symbolic crosses on the foreheads of children. This first egg is set aside as it is believed to bring health, luck and happiness.

On Holy Thursday according to traditions, housewives should make decorated bread that is given to guests on Easter.

The egg has been associated throughout time with the universe. A number of cultures saw the egg as symbol of spring and re-birth. In Christianity, the egg signifies birth and the red egg is seen as representation of Christ’s suffering.