Origin & history
Easter Monday has its origins in early Christianity, commemorating the day after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Bulgaria, the holiday was adopted after the Christianization of the First Bulgarian Empire under Boris I in the 9th century. The Orthodox Church celebrates Easter based on the Julian calendar, so Easter Monday often falls on a different date than in Western Christianity.
Historical records show that by the medieval period, Bulgarian Orthodox traditions had integrated Easter Monday as a continuation of the Paschal celebration. The day is formally known as 'Velikden' (Great Day) in Bulgarian, with Easter Monday being referred to as 'Vtoriyat den na Velikden' (Second Day of Great Day). The Bulgarian Orthodox Church considers the entire Bright Week (the week after Easter) as a single feast, with Easter Monday holding special significance as a day of communal joy.
Folklore traditions also influenced the celebration. In pre-Christian times, spring festivals celebrated renewal and fertility, which later merged with Easter customs. The red-dyed eggs, a central symbol of Bulgarian Easter, are said to date back to early Christian times, representing the blood of Christ and new life. Easter Monday thus became a blend of Christian observance and ancient spring rites.
Customs & traditions
On Easter Monday, Bulgarians continue the festive meals begun on Easter Sunday. The traditional Easter bread, 'kozunak' (a sweet braided loaf), is still enjoyed, as are roasted lamb dishes. Leftover red-dyed eggs are used for a game called 'egg tapping' or 'egg fighting,' where participants hit each other's eggs; the person whose egg remains uncracked is said to have good luck.
Many Bulgarian families spend Easter Monday visiting relatives or friends who were not seen on Sunday. It is a day for outdoor activities, as schools and workplaces are closed. In some rural areas, traditions include singing Easter songs or performing folk dances. In towns, public parks and churches host events with live music and markets selling handicrafts.
A unique Bulgarian custom involves the 'lazaruvane' (a pre-Easter ritual) that sometimes extends to Monday in some regions, where girls dressed in traditional costumes sing and dance for health and fertility. However, most specific customs like 'Easter Monday' as a standalone are less elaborate than Easter Sunday itself, focusing on relaxation and family.
Why it is celebrated
Easter Monday is celebrated as an extension of the joy of Christ's Resurrection. For Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria, it affirms the victory of life over death and the promise of salvation. The day allows the faithful to rest after the intense religious observances of Holy Week and Easter Sunday, and to continue fellowship with family and community.
On a cultural level, Easter Monday reinforces Bulgarian national identity through shared traditions like the red eggs and kozunak. It also marks the transition from Lenten fasting to a period of feasting and joy. The holiday serves as a reminder of spring’s renewal and the enduring importance of faith and family in Bulgarian society.