Tumgik
#balkan folklore
orisnitsa · 3 days
Text
Tumblr media
A post card, showing women in traditional clothing from Ruse, Bulgaria
source
28 notes · View notes
asyayordanova · 1 year
Photo
Tumblr media
2K notes · View notes
heiligetod · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Leptirica (1973) dir. Djordje Kadijević
518 notes · View notes
witchrog · 2 months
Text
Tumblr media
Growing up in the heart of the Balkans, I have been intimately woven into the tapestry of a unique ancient tradition known as Gromnica ( Gromnitsa) . Derived from the word "grom," which translates to thunder, and the creation of the Thunder Candle.
Gromnitsa, in particular, involves the sacred ritual of blessing candles and the creation of a distinctive candle known as the Thunder Candle (Gromnica) ." This candle, often adorned with intricate decorations, symbolizes the power of lightning or thunderbolt. Folklore says that the blessed candles and the Gromnitsa carry a protective aura, guarding against storms and malevolent energy. The Thunder Candle should be lit during hard thunderstorms or whilst someone in the household is ill, or on their deathbed.
Many lit candles are taken home to illuminate the household, symbolizing the spreading of light and the warming of the Earth, the awakening of Nature. Some communities also engage in processions or rituals meant to ward off evil and ensure a prosperous and safe year.
This centuries-old custom is intricately tied to the celebration of Candlemas, an event observed on February 2nd that blends Christian and pre-Christian customs. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Candlemas marks the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
In modern times, the gromnice is stored away carefully for important ceremonies such as a christening, First Communion, Confirmation or Anointing.
While the name "Gromnica" might not be universally used across the entire Balkan region, variations of the Candlemas celebration are observed multiple countries. These customs highlight the cultural and religious diversity of the region, where ancient traditions intertwine with Roman-catholic and Orthodox practices and continue to this day.
. . . . .
45 notes · View notes
zubata-zhaba · 8 months
Text
Tumblr media
This sketch has been around since 2017 and I guess it will never be more finished than this.
A couple of samodivas, some things more true to traditional beliefs than others - I gave them different complexions to reflect Bulgarian women, whereas traditionally they are blonde-haired and black-eyed. Their powers are stored in their chemise, which is unornamented (embroidery is to protect mortals). The different sleeves are based on different 19th-century and medieval chemises from Bulgaria and neighbouring regions. In some beliefs they wear colourful (but mostly green) belts, and green zubuns (outer garments). They are also typically imagined to be archers, riding six-winged deers.
68 notes · View notes
briefbestiary · 5 months
Text
Tumblr media
Strange plants of vampiric nature documented by Tatomir Vukanović. They ultimately transform into vampires when fighting one another. A method of destruction of these monsters described by Vukanović is to submerge and boil them in a pot, pour, scrub the remains away with a broom, and then burn the broom.
30 notes · View notes
dedadrogos · 4 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Print and digital sketch, really happy how it turned out!
39 notes · View notes
idohistorysometimes · 2 months
Text
Yall ever wanted to know how your favorite monster is actually a walking pathogen?
15 notes · View notes
profesors · 2 years
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
◾Serbian man dressed in traditional clothes from Central Serbia 🇷🇸
◾Source: Bendjo Academy
263 notes · View notes
antoniasertova · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Traditional festive clothing from village of Varbina, Madan area, Bulgaria
23 notes · View notes
orisnitsa · 6 months
Text
Tumblr media
Women from Sofia region, Bulgaria threading red peppers
1932
Albert Kahn's archive
(via)
436 notes · View notes
tonechkag · 1 year
Text
Among Balkan witches, rope was rarely used, but in contrast, yarn was obligatory. As a rule, they would use any kind of yarn; the only thing that mattered was it's color. White, red, black, and sometimes gold colors were used.
White yarn was exclusively used in healing rituals. After a bundle of necessary items for the sick person was prepared, witches wrapped it three times with white yarn, then it was tied with three knots while they chanted an appropriate incantation. Repeating the incantation while tying each knot. The bundle consisted of a piece of white canvas, a personal effect of the sick person, or a few hairs, or an herb was used to treat the sickness at hand. Sometimes just a lock of hair was bound with white yarn, and while the knots were tied, the incantation was repeated.
Red yarn was used for everyday situations. It was most used in love magic first for "binding" a couple, then for material benefits, but also for protection from any evil. The method of performing the ritual is identical to the previous one , meaning that while the knots were being tied, the appropriate incantation was repeated for each knot.
Black yarn was used exclusively for black magic, with the methodology as in the previous examples. It is well known that black yarn is used in Vlach "binding", and according to that, we can conclude that this type of love magic is black magic.
- Balkan Traditional Witchcraft by Radomir Ristic
49 notes · View notes
heiligetod · 11 months
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Leptirica (1973) dir. Djordje Kadijević
27 notes · View notes
twoj-stary-var-emreiss · 10 months
Text
🇭🇷 Croatian culture festival in Krakow 🇭🇷
I live in Krakow for almost year but had no idea that we have park named "Little Croatia". Spent some time there, got free ajvar, got some Podravka merch and nice accesory from Karlovac ❤️
Podravka is croatian company that produces ajvar (eggplant & red pepper paste), vegeta (famous mix of spices from Croatia) and much more (even tea). Podravka is placed in Koprivnica.
Karlovac is city placed close to Zagreb. Raised by Charles II of Austria in 1579. It was raised to during Ottomans war times. Also in 1991 croatian army fought there against serbian army. Same events happened in 1995. In quarter "Turanj" combats were most bloody, and currently in Turanj is placed Museum of Civil War.
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
7 notes · View notes
zubata-zhaba · 8 months
Text
Tumblr media
Another long time WIP and another samodiva, this time with her faithful friend. Hopefully they'll be coloured someday.
33 notes · View notes
briefbestiary · 1 year
Text
Tumblr media
A child of a vampire and a human. Without the weaknesses of vampires, but still decidedly unnatural. Some regions say they are short-lived and soft-bodied with fragile bones.
15 notes · View notes