Summer St. Anna: A Day of Prayer, Protection, and Fertility Rituals
Sofia, Bulgaria – As summer unfolds, Bulgarians observe the feast of Summer St. Anna, a day deeply rooted in traditions honoring fertility, protection, and the well-being of pregnant women and newborns. The holiday is marked by a series of specific customs and beliefs, especially among women, who turn to St. Anna as their patron saint and defender.
Central to the observance is the belief that adhering to certain prohibitions ensures a smooth pregnancy and childbirth. On Summer St. Anna, work is strictly forbidden. Activities such as sewing, knitting, and washing are avoided, with the understanding that any woman who defies these bans might face difficulties during labor. A common saying warns that “a difficult woman works for St. Anna,she will be shaking,” reflecting the deep-seated respect for these traditions.
Pregnant women and young brides are especially prominent on this day, making their way to churches to pray for the health of their children. They light candles before the icon of St. Anna, often adorning it with flowers. Offerings of shirts, socks, towels, and money are made as tokens of devotion. Following the church service, mothers traditionally distribute fresh pies in the churchyard and surrounding areas, a gesture believed to bless future births with health.St. Anna is also invoked to protect children from “fire,” a folk term for fever and high temperatures.
Regional variations in the celebration highlight the diverse ways Bulgarians connect with the spirit of Summer St. Anna. In Eastern Bulgaria, women and children venture into the fields to gather medicinal herbs, wich are then dried and preserved for healing throughout the year.Conversely, Western Bulgaria sees the execution of magical rituals aimed at warding off malevolent forces such as wizards, brother-worships, and rabbits, believed to steal fertility. Farmers engage in protective measures, including sleeping in their fields, to safeguard their wheat crops from these perceived threats.
In the southwestern regions of Bulgaria, a vow ceremony, known as a “vov,” is organized, involving the entire family and frequently enough featuring a turban. This sacrifice is intended to appease St. Anna and shield the fields from destructive elements like fire and hail. In these areas, Summer St. Anna is also recognized as a protector against fire, earning her the moniker “the tough.”
The feast day is also a time for celebrating names associated with the saint,including Anna,Anka,Annie,Anani,Yana,Janula,Yanina,Blaga,and Good.
