Katerina's Holidays

Chapter 1

Katerina is 13 years old girl she lives in Bulgaria. She is medium high. She has got round face, small nose, brown eyes, short dark hair and small lips. She is 7th grade. She is very smart but there is still much to learn. In the next chapters she will learn new things and especially she will celebrate Bulgarian holidays like Christmas and a lot of name days. She will learn a lot about traditions and stories about the days.

Chapter 2

It was 24 November. Today was Katerina's name day. It was Saint Catherine's Day. When she woke up her mother said: "Happy name day! Be healthy and happy." Katerina knew that today was her name day but didn't know the story behind that day. "Mum why today I celebrate my name day?" - she asked. "Because people honor Saint Catherine and her healing abilities." - her mother said. "How did they celebrate?" - Her brother Nicholay said from behind. "Well in the past early in the morning on this day the housewife makes 5, 7, or 9 pieces of wheat bread. Then she gives them to the neighbors. If there are small children in the house, she takes two loaves of bread and then she stands at the crossroads and gives it to every passer-by. Now we just make a wheat bread for the family and if someone comes at home we're celebrated with them." Katerina was happy because she expected her cousins, uncle and aunt to come in the evening. They celebrated Katerina's name day as a family.

Chapter 3

It was 6 December. Katerina was at home. She helped her mother and grandmother with their special dinner. Katerina didn't know why they are doing that kind of dinner so she asked: "Mom, why we are doing this?", "Doing what?"- her mother asked. "This kind of dinner?"- Katerina said. Her mother started to laugh "Because it's Saint Nicholas' day"- her mom answered. Katerina was still confused. At that moment her grandmother entered the room. "Saint Nicholas' day is a feast. In Bulgaria we invite neighbors and family for a meal of fish. That's why we are making "ribnik". We also will make ceremonial bread. When we are ready we will go to the church and bless them. Today a lot of people have name day. Like your brother Nikolay." Her grandmother said and Katerina ran out of the kitchen and went to her brother's room "Happy name day!"- She said. "Thank you very much sister"- Nikolay said. Katerina was really happy that she learned something new.

Chapter 4

It was 9 December. It was early in the morning and she had to wake up for school. She got ready, made her bed, washed her face and brush her hair. She went in the kitchen and saw her brother Nicholay. He ate his breakfast and watched TV. Katerina greeted him "Good morning". "Good morning. Do you know what day is today?"- He asked. "I think it's 9 December. Why do you ask?". "I think I forgot something"- He said. In This moment his phone rang. It was their cousin Anna "Hello"- he said on the phone. They talked 5 minutes and he hung up. Then he looked at his sister with terror in his eyes. "What happened? Something bad?"- She asked. "It's not bad. It's terrible! We forgot about Anna's name day". "Name day?"- she looked confused.

Chapter 4

"Yes today is The Orthodox Church honors the conception of Saint Anne - Mother of God. And it's her name day."- He answered her. "Why she called you?", "She waned to invite us at her house.". "What about her present, we don't have any."- she said scared. "She doesn't want one."- he answered. "Are you sure?" "Yes, she said that he just wants to spend some time with us. She just sent us a invitation card"- he said. "Ok, I'm going to tell mom."- she ran to her mom "Mom our cousin invite us to her house.". "Ok, after school I will pick you up and drive you there."- her mom said. "I can't wait" with that she picked up her bag from the floor and went to school. She is learning a lot but a lot of thinks are waiting for her".