July 1 - Day of the Herbalist and Folk Healer

#Day of the Herbalist and Folk Healer

On July first, Bulgarian people and the Orthodox Church celebrate - Day of the Herbalist and Folk Healer.

Typical of most Bulgarian holidays, it is also a dual celebration, influenced by both folk beliefs and Christian religion. Therefore, according to the church, it is also known as the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian the Romans. We emphasize Romans because on November 1st, Saints Cosmas and Damian of Asia who died of natural causes are celebrated, while Cosmas and Damian the Romans were killed.

#Herbalists Celebrate

On this day, all herbalists, healers, folk healers, and fortune tellers celebrate. Unlike Midsummer Day, when herbs are gathered to be most medicinal, on July first they are arranged by women connected to herbalism.

Additionally, the holiday is associated with many other traditions that are dedicated to folk healers, fortune tellers, and healers. Not least, it includes many rituals for the health of the whole family.

There is a belief that

on the holiday, there is a ritual arrangement of herbs collected on Midsummer Day

They are placed in piles for different diseases and kept for the year.

An ancient legend tells that God created man from clay, and the devil punctured him, thus creating diseases. After this happened, God didn't know what to do and decided to plug the holes with different herbs, and thus for each pain, a healing herb was created. According to the legend, only one unplugged hole remained, and it was believed that the soul would leave through it at death.