Thursday, January 1, 2009

Why Are There Little Kids Beating Me?

The survachka, a New Years tradition unique to Bulgaria, brings good health to all those touched by it. Survachki are made with short branches from a Cornel tree. The best ones are those that have branches directly opposite each other, as they are twisted and tied into half moons on each side, creating circles. The branches are then decorated with bits of colored wool and string, popcorn and dried fruit. Kids carry them around on New Years Day, tapping grown-ups and reciting poems for good health. In return they are given money, usually pocket change. One of the most popular poems goes as follows...

Сурва,сурва година, (Happy happy new year)
весела година! (merry year)
Едър клас на нива (good harvest)
голям грозд на лоза, (big grape on the vine)
жълт мамул на леса, (yellow ear in the field)
пълна къща с коприна, (full house with silk)
червена ябълка в градина, (red apple in the garden)
живо-здраво до година, (alive and healthy all year)
до година, до амина (all year, Amen)

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