Night before Christmas / "Bydni evening"

Christmas Eve (December 24, 25 and 26) (or, in Bulgarian "Bydni Vecher") is one of the most beloved family holidays in Bulgaria. It is the night of December 24, when the whole family gathers in anticipation of the birth of God's son. On the festive table there should be an odd number of lean dishes: cabbage rolls with rice, beans, compote from dried fruits "oshaf", fresh fruits and nuts, "pumpkin" - a pie stuffed with pumpkin. The place of honor is occupied by the large round ritual bread "pogacha", symbolizing the house and livestock. They put a coin in the bread, break the bread, and whoever gets a coin will be lucky next year.