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Kuker

Kukeri are elaborately costumed Bulgarian men who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of animals (sometimes double-faced) and large bells attached to the belt. Around New Year and before Lent, the kukeri walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits with their costumes and the sound of their bells. They are also believed to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness to the village during the year. Kuker is a divinity personifying fecundity
After parading around the village they usually gather at the village square to dance wildly and amuse the people.
The custom in our country goes back to the Thracians, which is celebrated during the days of the Thracian god of joy Dionysus and meeting new agricultural year related to tilling the fields. Mummery celebrate the passing of winter and the onset of summer fertility.

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1 comment

m̌ ḫ said:

most impressive. thank u for the story. happy to share it in my groups
2 years ago