In the middle of the year, on "June 15", according to Bulgarian folk tradition, "Vidovden" is celebrated – a day dedicated to retribution and justice, when, according to beliefs, everyone receives what they deserve for their deeds. The holiday is deeply rooted in folk memory and is perceived as a time when violated justice is restored.
According to folk legends, "Vida" is the sister of the saints "Bartholomew" and "Elisha". She never failed to "see" the mischief that the two saints caused and punished them for it. This is the origin of the popular expression "Vidovden will come" – a warning that the moment of retribution will arrive, when "everyone will pay for their sin". It is believed that even if justice is delayed, it inevitably comes on this day: "God delays, but does not forget!".
Traditionally, no heavy work is started on Vidovden. People in the past believed that by refraining from labor, they would appease the saints and protect themselves from "hail" and other natural disasters. The holiday is celebrated on "June 15" (or "June 28, Old Style") and is associated with legends and traditions from pagan times. On this date, "Elisha" (also called "Lise"), "Bartholomew", and their sister "Vida" are honored. The day is aimed at protection against destructive natural phenomena.
In folk perception, "June 15" is accepted as "Judgment Day", on which everyone awaits their retribution. The figure of Vida is often compared to the Roman goddess "Themis", who separates truth from falsehood. For centuries, people have believed that even if earthly judgment errs, "Vidovden will come", when things will be sorted out in a fair way and everyone who has sinned will receive their punishment.
Besides the idea of retribution, in Bulgaria, Vidovden is also closely linked to the "sun cult". According to tradition, people welcome the sun's rays at early dawn, believing that this will bring them "health and strength". Young girls take out clothes from their "dowry" and hang them on the fence so that they can be illuminated by the sun and "be seen" by the boys and neighbors.
As with many other holidays, "love rituals" and divination are also performed on Vidovden. On the eve of the holiday, the maidens wash themselves with the so-called "Vidovden water" – collected from the dew on plants. It was believed that this water would make their hair more lush and their faces more beautiful. Part of the ritual is also associated with the "cattail" plant: three stalks were cut, which were named after the boys they liked. According to the belief, by the end of the year, the girl would marry the one whose stalk grew the tallest.