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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Bulgaria Series at BulgarianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Bulgarian holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 20 - Saint Nicholas Day.
On December 6, Bulgarians celebrate the Day of Saint Nicholas or as it is better known—Nikulden.
In this lesson we’ll tell you in detail how this day is celebrated in Bulgaria.
Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you-
Do you know what the meaning of the name Nicholas is?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening!
Nikulden is one of the most important Orthodox feasts and name-days in Bulgaria. It is a feast of St. Nikolai, Nicholas, who is also called the archbishop of Myra and Wonderworker. On this day people with the names Nikolai, Nikolina, Nikoletta, Neicho, Nina, Niya, etc. have a name-day.
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker himself is considered patron of the sailors and fishermen, “travelers” or pateshestvenitsite, “tradesmen” or targovtsite, and “bankers” or bankerite. According to the saint’s passional declaration, he “tamed,” or ukrotil, a sea storm and “saved,” or spasil, a sailor from death, and worked many miracles which earned him the nickname Wonderworker.
Nikulden is celebrated as the name-day of the people with names deriving from the name of Saint Nicholas, but this day is not just celebrated by them—in fact, every Bulgarian home honors Nikulden. Because Saint Nicholas is the patron of fishermen, and on this day eating fish is allowed. The traditional carp stuffed with walnuts is prepared. The table stays full all day and many guests come to the house. The carp’s “bones,” or kosti, are not thrown out but “burned,” or izgatyat, instead.
Saint Nicholas is depicted as a white-haired and white-bearded old man. It is thought that it is in fact he who created Santa Claus’s image, or obraz.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question-
Do you know what the meaning of the name Nicholas or Nikolai is?
According to different sources, the name Nikolai originates from Greek and means "Conqueror." The folk name equivalent to Nikolai is Nikola. The names close to or deriving from them are some of the most popular in Bulgaria.
How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting?
Do you celebrate a Saint Nicholas Day? What about Fishermen’s Day?
Leave a comment letting us know at BulgarianPod101.com,
and we'll see you in the next lesson!

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