Hi, I am Vasil 
 

I am named after Vasil Levski - a beloved Bulgarian hero who lived many years ago. A monk turned brave fighter, Levski dedicated his life to helping Bulgarian people free themselves from the Ottoman empire. Asked what he would do after Bulgaria was free, he answered he would help others around the world. Levski believed that all people are born equal regardless of nationality or creed.

I am a lion - same as the national symbol of Bulgaria. The lion stands for bravery and strength. While lions are not part of our wildlife, they live in our hearts. Our coat of arms has not one, not two, but three lions. But Bulgarians love of lions does not stop there - our currency the ‘Lev’ is named after the lion (see further post). We even affectionately refer to our national sport teams as ‘our lions'.

I am a 'koledar'. Koledari is an old Bulgarian tradition where groups of young men, dressed like me, go from house to house singing traditional songs, wishing prosperity, health and good fortune for the upcoming year. This ritual takes place around Christmas and New Year's and is believed to bring blessings to the homes visited. It's a cherished cultural practice that embodies community spirit and the celebration of the holiday season.

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The little greenery I am wearing on my kalpak (woolly hat) is a branch from the boxtree, an evergreen with tiny leaves. According to our traditions, the boxtree is a guardian and a protector of the home. Back in the old days, the mother-figure of the household would plant a boxtree next to the house to ward off evil spirits. The box tree has long roots and the same wish is gifted to the house and the family: may they grow deep generational roots in their home.

Did you know that our currency the 'Lev' translates as 'lion'? How did that happen? It all started about 1500 years ago when the ancient Bulgarian rulers chose the lion as their symbol. Later, the lion started to appear on silver coins until the whole Bulgarian currency got named after the lion (Lev). When Bulgaria joins the Euro, the lion will continue to feature on the Bulgarian Euro coins, continuing a centuries-long tradition.

You might be wondering: what is the yellow circle on my 'gega' (shepherd's stick)? It is a Bulgarian pastry called 'gevrek'. It is similar to a bagel, typically round with a golden crust, soft interior and often topped with sesame seeds. We eat it for breakfast or as a snack. When I go carol singing from one home to another, it is customary for the family to put a gevrek on my 'gega' as a thank you.