“Babinden” (Grandmother’s day) is a Bulgarian holiday, celebrated on January 8th (O.S. January 21st). It is the day to honor the elderly women that served as midwives in villages of the past.

The day is related closely to family traditions that thank the women, who gave birth to all the children of the family.

Babinden is among the biggest female Bulgarian holidays, and is dedicated to the women that served as midwives, and also to young brides that just gave birth. The rites on this day mostly involve honoring the elderly women that helped younger ones as they gave new life.

This holiday has pagan origins, dating back to the ancient Slavic culture. It remained throughout the ages and was held in especially high regard during the Bulgarian National Revival.