The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CONDILNITZA

ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN RURAL BULGARIA, THE OLDEST MEMBER OF
A HOUSEHOLD CARRIES LIVE CHARCOAL INCENSE FROM ROOM TO
ROOM IN THE HOUSE. THIS IS ANOTHER PRACTICE DONE TO
BRING GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY TO THE HOUSEHOLD.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT BELIEVES THIS CUSTOM IS A REMNANT OF THE
PAGAN PRACTICE OF DRIVING OUT THE EVIL SPIRITS OF THE
HOUSE WITH FIRE THROUGH THE OPEN WINDOW.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-21-1970