By all accounts today is a very special day in the Bulgarian Calendar.

Bulgaria celebrates Valentine's Day, and I have heard that this year is also Forgiveness Day on the same day. Though it's most significant day is the day they celebrate the first cutting of the vines. It is celebrated to signify fertility and for Good Luck in the coming growing season.

Wine from last years crop is warmed and the cuttings from this years is placed in the traditional pewter pots. Vines leaves are taped to the handle, usually with red ribbon, and people dress up in Traditional dress and the pewter pot is handed round for eveyone to drink from.

The long lengths of vine are woven into 'crowns' and given to young people to signify virility and fertility.

Read more about the fascinating celebration by the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of the Day of Saint Trifon, patron of vine-growers, wine-producers and tavern-keepers on here on Novinite and see some images of the tradition in Cherkovo here