Todorov den

Yesterday it was Todorov den - a holiday celebrated in my country in honour of St. Todor. He's a dual character - at the same time he's a horse rider who comes from the Land of Death and he's declaring the beginning of the summer. So he's a mediator between our world and the underworld. He's the patron of horses and riders and also of young brides (it has something to do with the fertility and the fact that all plants grow from the soil, the underworld).

On this day the saint sticks his spear into the ground, ties his horse and goes to God to ask for summer. There are many rites, but the more interesting is the horse race, called "kushia". All unmarried men compete in horse riding. The winner becomes very famous and respected.

So now we can relax and be sure that summer will come.

I am longing for it...