CCI Dobrich, together with Largo City LTD, created a MOSAIC gadget w be shared with the participants of the project’s upcoming events – a book divider depicting an element of a traditional Bulgarian embroidery, the most beautiful part of the folklore costumes of Bulgaria, as all the creative potential, imagination and craftsmanship of generations of Bulgarians have been invested in it.

The traditional Bulgarian embroidery is a brilliant craftsmanship that returns to old times, and it was a method for showing the marital status, the social class and the place of origin of the individual who wore the design.

In the past, embroidery had a lot of symbolic value. It was believed that embroidery protected the human from bad spells and evil spirits. Some people were convinced that cutting a part of the embroidery of one’s cloth would open a trail for the bad spells and evil spirits and would make the person defenceless.

The meaning of colors in the embroidery

The red color symbolized the mother’s blood and the continuation of life. It would protect from “bad eyes” and spells.

The green color was the expression of eternal life and was connected with the Tree of life – the universal human symbol of the Universe.

The yellow color with its shine was associated with the sun, the fire, and the light, and on the other side the dead and the prosperity of the people that were predetermined.

The white color revealed the purity, the impenetrability, the immaculate youth, and the divine light.

According to the ancient beliefs, evil (diseases, curses, “bad eyes”, different evil forces) hits man only where the body was unprotected by clothes. The clothes were, thus, conceived as a second skin and the embroidery had the function of protecting and assuring the wearer.

Placing the embroidery on clothes is by no means accidental; it defines the limits of men and women. The embroidery must be placed on the edges of the woman’s head, on the bottom of her shirt, and on the sleeves and socks of the male and female garments.

Detailed explanation of the main symbols in the Bulgarian embroidery

THE MOTHER GODDESS

The mother Goddess represents a woman giving birth, and represents fertility. In the ancient times it was important that the woman gave birth to many children with the purpose to continue the family line.

THE TREE OF LIFE

The Tree of Life stands for a three-level vertical representation of our world. The crown symbolizes the Upper World of the Heavens, the trunk embodies the Earth and the roots stand for the Underworld.

THE CELESTIAL TURTLE

This animal has long been considered as a symbol of wisdom, moderation, perseverance and longevity, and its image has been used as a sign of Eternity.

THE SWASTIKA

The Swastika is associated with the cult of the Slavic god of the sun and the fire of Swaroh. This symbol has been used in the embroidery since the Neolithic period. It represents people’s best hopes for fertility, success, love, joy and prosperity.

ELBETICA

Elbetica represents the four directions in the world (north, south, west and east), merging them into a common stable center that keeps them synchronized. This is how the idea of the cycle of nature is interpreted – winter, summer, spring and autumn.

KANATITSA

The pairs of the triangles whose vertices touch symbolize the masculine and feminine beginnings. Their “connection” at the vertices represents the creation of family and the triangles below and above them are the generation they leave behind. This symbolizes the eternal cycle of life.

The diversity of embroidery in Bulgaria

The traditional Bulgarian embroidery is characterized by great regional and local diversity, and can be seen on regional costumes of both men and women. In the ancient times, Bulgarian embroidery revealed the social status and ethnic origin of a person.

Because of the size and geographical construction of the country, with highlands and lowlands, mountains and valleys, Bulgarian costumes varied quite considerably, as does the embroidery that serves to decorate and identify the wearer. There was a tradition in various parts of Bulgaria for the use of floral or geometric pattern work. However, sometimes both styles could be seen as part of the same costume with different types of pattern work.

Bulgarian embroideries are more than just intricate designs; they are a vital part of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity. Each stitch reflects the traditions, beliefs, and values passed down through generations, preserving the spirit of Bulgaria’s past. Through their unique patterns and vibrant colors, these embroideries tell stories of family, community, and the deep connection between people and nature.

As both art and history, Bulgarian embroideries continue to inspire, serving as a living testament to the rich cultural legacy of the Bulgarian people.