Budnik (Bulgarian) facts for kids
Budnik (pronounced "bood-neek") is a special log that people bring into their homes on Christmas Eve. It's a very old and important tradition, especially in countries like Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Think of it like a yule log, which is also used in Christmas celebrations in other parts of Europe.
The word "Budnik" is also used for Christmas Eve itself in some of these languages. People usually cut down a young, straight oak tree early on Christmas Eve morning. There are many special rituals for cutting the tree, bringing it home, and placing it on the fire. These traditions can be a little different from one region to another.
In Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church started using the Revised Julian calendar in 1968. Because of this, most people in Bulgaria celebrate Christmas on December 25th. So, Christmas Eve, or Budni Vecher, is celebrated on December 24th.
What Does "Budnik" Mean?
The word budnik comes from a Bulgarian or Slavic word, budeshte. This word means "future." It's used because people hope the Budnik tradition will bring good things and wealth to their home in the future. It's similar to the Serbian word badnjak, which means "to stay awake."
Getting Ready for Budnik
In Bulgaria, preparing the Budnik is a big part of Christmas Eve. Traditionally, a young man from the family would dress in his best clothes. Then, he would go out to cut down a tree. This tree was usually an oak, elm, or pear tree. This tree would become the Budnik.
Before cutting the tree, a prayer was said to ask for forgiveness. The log was then carried on the man's right shoulder. It was very important that the log did not touch the ground. This shows how special the ritual is. In fact, Christmas Eve in Bulgaria is even called Budnik or Budnik Eve (Бъдни вечер).
In some areas, when the man returned with the log, he would ask three times, "Do you glorify the Young God?" The family would answer, "We glorify Him, welcome." After this, a small hole was made in one end of the Budnik. This hole was filled with a special mixture of wine, olive oil, and incense. The hole was then plugged, and that end of the log was wrapped in a white linen cloth. Finally, the Budnik was placed on the hearth and lit.
The whole family gathers around the burning log. They offer prayers, wishing for food, happiness, love, good luck, and wealth in the new year. The log continues to burn throughout Christmas Day. When the first visitor arrives, they might poke the log with a poker or a branch. This makes sparks fly. The idea is that the family's happiness and good fortune will be as many as the sparks.
People believe the Budnik log has special healing powers. The ritual includes singing songs and making wishes as the log is lit. The log must burn all night long. It is thought that its warmth and light welcome Christ. It also provides a warm welcome to Virgin Mary and the family's ancestors. Some traditions believe ancestors are guests at the Christmas Eve table. Sometimes, the fire is put out with wine in the morning. The remains of the log are kept as treasures. They are sometimes used to make small crosses. Most often, the ashes are spread over fields or vineyards. This is done to help the crops grow better.
