Trifon Zarezan

Lore & Background

Trifon Zarezan is a Bulgarian national custom observed on 14 February (Julian calendar) or 1 February (Gregorian calendar) in honor of Saint Tryphon, a martyr from the middle of the 3rd century. The feast is also known in other Balkan countries and is affixed with the Orthodox calendar, associated with the change of seasons from winter to spring. In traditional Bulgarian folklore, the feast is primarily associated with viticulture, specifically the first step of the annual vine cultivation process—the grape vine spring pruning. Most Christian churches, including the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, adopted the New Julian calendar in 1968; from then on, Trifon Zarezan is celebrated on 1 February according to the Gregorian calendar, but churches adhering to the Julian calendar celebrate it on 14 February. As a remnant, the secular feast of the Vineyarders is still often celebrated on 14 February in Bulgaria.

Reader's Guide

Trifon Zarezan holds significance as a professional holiday for wine growers, falconers, gardeners, barrel-makers, and innkeepers, with Saint Tryphon considered their patron saint. In old church iconography, the saint is sometimes depicted with a scythe in his hand, symbolizing his role as patron of winemakers. The day historically marks the beginning of grape pruning and includes a variety of rituals performed by both men and women. The feast is the first of a series called Trifontsi, which includes Trifonovden (February 1), Midsummer (February 2), and St. Simeon (February 3). These festivals are associated with wolves mating at this time, leading to specific rituals: no scissors are used, nights are kept closed to keep wolves' jaws shut during the year, and no work is done, as whoever works on these days draws wolf attacks. To protect livestock, in some places such as Belogradchik and Montana, special bread is prepared, overcooked, and put in the animals' food. The day also serves as a Name Day celebration for people with the name Trifon and derivative or similar-sounding names.

Did You Know?

• In some places like Belogradchik and Montana, special overcooked bread is prepared and put in livestock food to protect them from wolves.
• Saint Tryphon is sometimes depicted in iconography with a scythe in his hand as patron saint of winemakers.