WE DO IT LIKE THIS…

• Usually, greetings in Bulgaria consist of a firm handshake, direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day
• Initially, people address one another with Mr, Mrs or Ms followed by the surname. In order to make the address informal it is expected to ask for permission
• Only friends and family address each other with first names and a hug or kiss.
• Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean “Yes” and nod when they mean “No”
• Often Bulgarians perform a good-luck ritual by splashing water in front of a person who goes off to an important event (exam, meeting) and saying “Let the good luck goes with you as running water.”
• In public transportation, it is expected that younger people will give up a seat to the elderly or to a parent with a young child. Failure to do so invites public censure from other passengers
• If giving flowers as a gift avoid chrysanthemums, lilies or gladiolas as they are used at funerals
• Make sure the flowers are an odd number of stems. Even number of flowers are brought only to funerals
• Every third family in Bulgaria produces their own alcoholic drink (rakia, wine, etc.)
• Preparation for long winters includes drying of herbs and mushrooms, pickling of vegetables, making jams, etc.