site.btaObserving Century-Old Tradition, Bulgarians Honour Midwives

Bulgaria marks the Day of Midwives, a celebration observed annually since 1951 by decree of the Presidium of the National Assembly. Known as a day of gratitude for obstetricians, midwives, and gynecologists, the date aligns with the traditional holiday of Babinden, which falls on January 21 in the old calendar (or January 8 in the new calendar).

The occasion provides an opportunity for medical professionals in obstetric care to reflect on their work while mothers express their appreciation for the dedication and care they have received.

Holiday rooted in tradition

In Bulgarian folk customs, the Day of Obstetric Care, also called Babinden, is celebrated as a women’s holiday honoring the "babas" – elderly women who historically assisted in childbirth, playing a role akin to modern midwives. According to Dimitar Marinov’s ethnographic study Folk Beliefs and Religious Folk Customs, the day is also observed for the health of young children and mothers and to protect against “babitsi” – a term referring to infant ailments like stomach disorders.

Celebrations begin the evening before or early on the day itself. The elderly midwives visit the homes of women they have assisted during childbirth, bringing symbolic gifts such as a sprig of geranium tied with a red thread, honey, butter, millet, and red wool.

The midwife bathes the baby she helped deliver (referred to as her “babinche”), anoints its forehead with honey, and attaches millet and red wool to it as blessings. She knits a pair of white socks with red thread for each child, wishing them to “wear them out in good health,” and gifts newborns a small vest.

To this day, Babinden continues to serve as a heartfelt occasion to honor the contributions of midwives and obstetricians and to cherish the health and well-being of mothers and children in Bulgarian communities.