Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks the Day of Saint John the Baptist - Ivanovden

On 7th January, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of Saint John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. He is also called the Forerunner, since he foretold the coming of Jesus the Messiah.

The feast is called Ivanovden (John is Ivan in Bulgarian and “Ivanovden” means the Day of John).

7th of January is a name day of everyone named Ivan, Vanyo, Vanya, Yoan/Ioan, Yoanna/Ioanna, Yonko/Yonka, Yoto, Ivaylo, Ivo, Ivona, Kaloyan, Jan/Jean, and Janna. All these names have the basic meaning of "God's blessing".

The bathing ritual for good health, which is performed on St. Jordan’s Day/Epiphany continues on Ivanovden. It is believed that the water on this day has purifying and sacred power.