Music Folklore

Origin
Bulgarian poetic folk art originates in ancient times and has a centuries-old history. The first preserved records of the existence of folk singers and songs derive from the 9th and 10th centuries. Most of the folk songs date from the 17th century. Folk songs are an expression of the Bulgarian way of life through the ages, resulting from the historical and social fate of the country, from its experience and popular customs. Bulgarians enrich the folk songs with their best qualities - diligence, honesty, steadiness, loyalty, wit and love of freedom. The songs grow from the inner needs of the creators to give expression of their thoughts and experience. They are sung on sad and joyful days - in the fields, in the meadows, on working-bees, playing the Bulgarian ring dance, called HORO, in the gathering places of the rebels - called HAIDOUTI. Their creators are the folk singers - people with poetical and musical talent. The songs as well as the fairy tales, riddles, proverbs and sayings are a product of joint creative work. As the folk songs were spread by word of mouth they changed and had many versions. Since the books were not easily accessible to the working people, folklore and songs were the source of their experience, wisdom and knowledge. According to their subject Bulgarian folk songs are ritual songs, labour songs, customs songs, historical, heroic and songs about the Haidouti.

Ritual folk songs
These songs are connected with the family and calendar celebrations. According to the holiday, on which they are sung they are Lazarus songs, Christmas songs, Easter songs and songs dedicated to Saint George. With the ritual songs people express their wish for health, fruitfulness, rain etc. These songs are usually cheerful and have a holiday mood.

Labour folk songs
They are the oldest. They were created in the process of labour. Labour songs are songs sung by the craftsmen, harvesters,shepherds and people working for their living abroad. These songs are usually lyrical and they glorify diligence.

Customs folk songs
These songs express emotions and thoughts, caused by various occurrences and events from family life. Customs songs are divided into love songs, wedding and family songs. The most numerous are wedding songs. Customs folk songs reveal the concepts of the Bulgarian for family life and personal relationships.

Heroic folk songs
They are connected with the historical fate of the Bulgarian people. They were created between the 14th and 16th centuries. Most of them reflect the first years of the Osmanli yoke. They are based on various sayings and legends about historical persons. Especially popular are Momchil and Krali Marko. Heroic songs are an expression of the patriotism and philanthropy of Bulgarians.

Historical and haidouti folk songs
They reflect important events from the life of Bulgarians and reveal their historical destiny. The heroes are historical persons and common people. These songs are mostly connected with the Osmanli yoke.