December and January are probably one of the busiest months for occasions. According to an old Bulgarian tradition, it is proper to treat ourselves to health. And the best thing is to welcome them together and in shared time at a rich festive meal. Usually during the Christmas holidays we open our hearts and try to make more festive meals.
If you live in a house or in a village, this feeling is even stronger. Villa Topi tries to preserve and pass on Bulgarian traditions. Therefore, we share with you a few mandatory things that are always present in the decoration of the festive table. Usually, during the Christmas holidays and January name days, we welcome our guests with a festively loaded table. Here are the must-haves on the holiday table:
1. Fire. A long time ago, a special tree was chosen, which was called a Christmas tree. It had to be big and strong so it could smolder all night and keep the fire alive. Nowadays, a festive candle is usually lit on the table. It symbolizes warmth and cohesion in the relations of those gathered at the table. It is not by chance that you will find many candles in Villa Topi. Some of them are very special, handmade by Bulgarian producers with essential oils.
2. A bottle of red wine. It can be homemade, the farmers’ own production. If not, it can be bought (preferably from Bulgarian wine cellars). Villa Topi, of course, relies on producers from our region and always chooses wines from the “Starosel” wine cellar. Red wine is associated with blood because of its color. It symbolizes and is associated with life and immortality.
3. Festive wreath. You can make it by hand from fresh pine branches and arrange it with decorations from nature – apples, rose hips, rosehips, cinnamon sticks. But in today’s fast-paced world, you can buy it. It is important to have a festive wreath on the Christmas table. It symbolizes the cycle in life, the new beginning, the upcoming new year, which we will experience in good health until next year at the same time.
It is good when arranging the festive table to say out loud what is being set and why.
Especially if there are children and young people around you. This is how we preserve and transmit
their traditions.
With wishes for happy, cozy and shared holidays!
Villa Topi,
A house that makes memories
