Sveti Duh (Holy Ghost)

Sveti Duh (Holy Ghost) is a Christian holiday, related to many regional celebrations. On this day, Jesus Christ created his church here on the Earth by sending the Holy Ghost. Bulgarians believe that the spirits of all dead people roam around the world from the Holy Thursday until Sveti Duh Day. They roam about the flowers and trees and they are lured to gather together in the walnut-tree foliage leaves. On the Sveti Duh Day all the spirits are being penned until the Holy Thursday next year when the Celestial Gates open again. As a parting gift to the spirits, men make a sacrifice, set banquets, sing songs and celebrate. Sveti Duh Day is always celebrated on Mondays – exactly 51 days after Easter. The whole week is called the Midsummer Week. Until Sveti Duh Day the vine-twigs are not burnt because otherwise the nymphs will get angry and they will bring down the vineyard inflorescence so that the grapes will grow sparsely and with small grains.