Nikulden—St. Nicholas Day—December 6th, is a great winter festival. Bulgarians celebrate St. Nicholas as the protector of sailors and fishermen. Stories are told of St. Nikolay, the commander of the sea, calming wind and storms and walking over the sea to rescue ships in danger.
Like Greek sailors, Bulgarians keep icons of St. Nicholas on shipboard, seeking protection from storms. Sailors’ wives put icons of Nicholas into the sea, praying to St. Nicolay to bring their husbands safely back to shore.
Carp is the special food for the day, as legend tells how, when a ship was sinking because of a hole in the hull, St. Nicholas stuffed a live carp in the hole, saving the ship.
The special fish dish, ribnik, is carp or trout wrapped in dough or stuffed with rice, walnuts, raisins, and herbs. Ribnik is baked in the oven along with two special loaves of bread. Other meatless dishes are also served. The food is blessed at church or at home before being served.
Carp is regarded as Nicholas’ servant.
Presented by Diana Koprinkova.
