Bulgarian superstitions are deeply rooted in folklore, blending Slavic traditions with Ottoman influences. Many revolve around warding off bad luck, predicting the future, or ensuring prosperity. What makes them especially interesting for language learners is the phrases and sayings attached to them - often short, rhythmic, and packed with cultural meaning.
1. Spilling Salt: A Sign of Arguments
Like in many cultures, spilling salt in Bulgaria is considered bad luck - specifically, a sign of impending arguments. The traditional response is to toss a pinch of the spilled salt over your left shoulder while saying:
Translated, this means:
Сол над ляво рамо, зло под десен крак!
/sɔl nɑd ˈʎavo ˈramo, zlo pod ˈdɛsɛn krak/“Salt over the left shoulder, evil under the right foot!”
2. The Curse of the Black Cat
A black cat crossing your path is universally ominous, but in Bulgaria, the superstition comes with a specific verbal ritual. To neutralise the bad luck, you should:
- Spit three times over your left shoulder (yes, really).
- Say:
Плюя си на лявото, да не ми се случи лошо!
/ˈplʲujɐ si nɐ ˈʎavoto, dɐ nɛ mi sɛ ˈsluʧi ˈlɔʃo/“I spit to the left, so nothing bad happens to me!”
3. Knocking on Wood
Bulgarians, like many Europeans, knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. The accompanying phrase is:
Да не улучи човек!
/dɐ nɛ ˈulutʃi ˈtʃɔvɛk/“May it not strike a person!”
This phrase is often shortened in casual speech to just "да не улучи".
4. The Evil Eye (Око)
The belief in the evil eye - malicious energy caused by envy - is strong in Bulgaria. To protect against it, Bulgarians use charms called "мъртва вода" (literally "dead water") or "броеница" (a beaded bracelet). If someone suspects they’ve been affected, they might say:
Очите да ти се обърнат!
/ˈɔtʃitɛ dɐ ti sɛ oˈbɤrnɐt/“May your eyes turn (against you)!”
5. New Year’s Luck: The First Footer
The first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year’s Eve sets the tone for the year. In Bulgaria, this person is called "полазник". They should bring a small gift (like coins or a branch) and say:
Да сте живи и здрави, колкото върбата има върболисти!
/dɐ stɛ ˈʒivi i ˈzdravi, ˈkɔlkoto ˈvɤrbɐtɐ imɐ vɐrˈbɔlisti/“May you live as long and healthy as the willow has leaves!”
Why These Phrases Matter for Language Learners
Superstitions reveal a lot about a culture’s values and history. The phrases tied to them are often archaic or poetic, offering a glimpse into older forms of the language. For example, "върболисти" (willow leaves) isn’t a word you’d use in modern Bulgarian outside this context. Learning these sayings isn’t just about memorising words - it’s about understanding the mindset behind them.
If you’re interested in how Bulgarian compares to other Slavic languages, check out our guide on unique features of Bulgarian.
