Basic principles of Bulgarian folk dietary traditions

Bulgarian folk dietary tradition is one of the most ancient traditions in the world. Its origin can be traced back to prehistoric times. The contribution of ancient Thracians to it, for instance, with respect to some major foods, preparation of foods, practices and customs, is so deeply ingrained in it that to a large extent it determines its overall character. And this is actually an all-European legacy. The Proto-Bulgarian legacy in the field of nutrition is also considerable. Of particular importance here is the correlation of meals with time and with the so called good and bad periods of time. In the present study we have attempted to formulate some of the important principles of the Bulgarian folk dietary tradition. They are only a small part of the vast realm of principles concerning the diet of Bulgarians. All Bulgarian customs, rules and bans in the field of nutrition are based on them. Until quite recently they have had an obligatory character. They have coded in them the thousand-year-long experience of the Bulgarian people. All important rational aspects repeatedly verified in real life under different conditions and situations have been included in them. Thus a complete system of rules and norms of behaviour have been obtained giving exhaustive answers to all questions related to nutrition. It is designed to help people and future generations to avoid risk situations and prevent catastrophes resulting from malnutrition.