Chestiita Trifon Zarezan!

I have never really been one to participate in the traditional "Valentine's Day" type celebrations, usually I don't even realize it is here until right before the holiday, and thus it has never really been a big deal to me.  This year, however, I found something here, in Bulgaria that I feel I can really connect to on a more personal and sentimental level:  the celebration of Trifon Zarezan. 

Trifon Zarezan is a holiday which centers around the annual ritualized and actual act of trimming the grape vines in the vineyards, prepping the plants for the coming grape harvest and wine making.  Some sprigs from one of the plants are cut and the plant is blessed with wine and holy water in order to stave away frost and other detriments to a good crop.  The day is also celebrated with feasting and imbibing, giving homage to our good god of wine, Bacchus.  Sometimes, in areas where this celebration is still strictly adhered to, there even is a crowned wine king who is carted through the village on a horse drawn cart and the celebration carries on for a couple days.  

Now, I think this is a holiday I could get used to.... so, all you wine lovers and drinkers, and especially those of you in the singles category, let's raise our glasses to the god of Wine instead of to the god of Love this year!  

Nazdravey!

(and a Happy Valentine's Day to everyone as well! xoxox)