Exhibition: “Easter in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia”
in the Regional Ethnographic Museum - Plovdiv

The exhibition is about the common and different traditions of the three countries. The preserved pagan customs spread among us and with them are shown, as well as how much Christianity has changed folk beliefs and ideas.

The spring rituals for the revival of nature, with which the Easter ritual is connected, are presented according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars used in these countries. In Bulgaria, the cycle includes the customs of Mesni and Sirni Zagovezni, Masquerade Games, Horse Easter - Todorovden, Lazaruvane and Vrabnitsa, ie. the seven weeks of fasting. And in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the fast begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts six weeks until Easter, reflecting all folk customs during that time.
 
This comparison clearly outlines the rituals associated with the agricultural sacrifices that are common to the three countries. Or Lazarov day, a rite of initiation for girls that is perceived as a custom with ancient roots.
 
The exhibition presents the rich rituals around the Resurrection itself and the various traditions that we have with them. Beautiful painted eggs will be be presented with many different techniques that used to decorate them; for the traditions preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as for the new innovative approaches used in the 21st century.
 
Everyone who comes will find something new and interesting to take with them from this colorful exhibition. It will certainly be enriched with the culture and folk customs of the developing countries of the Middle Ages, which after the adoption of Christianity, went in a different direction.
 
You will be able to see the exhibition in REM - Plovdiv
from 15 April to 15 May 2021

The Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/2866011820384519/

https://www.ethnograph.info/