Three short video vignettes of village life

around Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria

NOTICE - I have taken these down because too many of you were downloading the actual videos. These videos are the result of years of unpaid hard work. If you want copies, at least have the courtesy to ask, and say thank you. If you really need to see these videos, you can contact me.

Babin den celebrated in Pirin village, 1989

This event was not state-organized, but rather a continuation of an old tradition. I was staying in Gotse Delchev at the time, and was invited to go by two women from Pirin who were settled in Gotse Delchev. They "convinced" (strong-armed) a relative to drive them to the village so they could celebrate Babin den, but the rough mountain road was icy, and the driver insisted that we wait a few hours until some of the ice could melt, for safety. My hostesses happily danced, and I happily watched. A good day.

Gergi den (Gergiov den) celebrated in Lazhnitsa village, 1989

In this village, unmarried girls set out their dowries-in-progress on Gergiov den (Saint George's day) to "see the St. George's day sun" which, they say, will protect the dowry from moths for the coming year. Besides the practical value of airing out the textiles, it also serves as a means for potential mothers-in-law to check out the quality of the dowries of potential daughters-in-law, as well as an opportunity for unmarried girls to check out the competition and possibly "steal" a nice pattern or two. The whole village became like a small museum, decked out in lovely local textiles.

When I returned to this village in the fall of 2007, and showed it to people there, they all said that this tradition is no longer followed. Thus, the picture of village life seen in this clip has already passed into history. Note that the song in the background is sung by two women from this village.

Winter weaving and rug fulling, 1988-89 2'20

The footage for this clip was filmed in villages around Gotse Delchev. More commentary later.