14 New Masters and Journeymen Received Their Master Certificates from the Regional Chamber of Crafts

Seven new masters and an equal number of journeymen received their master certificates from the Regional Chamber of Crafts in Plovdiv. The ritual of initiation into mastery was reenacted according to a tradition established during the Bulgarian National Revival. The event took place in the courtyard of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv, which years ago restored the celebration of the guild holiday on the Day of St. Spyridon – the heavenly protector of craftsmen.

“The sacredness, solemnity, and religious elements are an essential part of the ritual, and the museum’s goal is to recreate it as authentically as possible,” commented the director of REM – Plovdiv, Assoc. Prof. Angel Yankov, PhD.

Traditionally, the celebration began with a procession through the streets of the Old Town, which reached the Cathedral Church of the Holy Mother of God, where a liturgy and a prayer service for the health and prosperity of craftsmen were held. As tradition dictates, guild members brought to the church kolivo (boiled wheat in a large tray, decorated and patterned), petohlebие (five loaves of bread or a large round loaf) with characteristic religious ornamentation, colorful candies, and wine. A key element of the procession was the carrying of the icon of St. Spyridon – the patron saint of coppersmiths, goldsmiths, watchmakers, potters, shoemakers, cobblers, and others.

After the prayer service, the craftsmen joined in a festive horo dance, and to the sound of drums and bagpipes, the procession made its way back to the house of Argir Kuyumdzhioglu. Leading the way were young masters carrying the guild’s flag. The icon of the patron saint was once again held by the renowned tailor Ivan Tonev – Gŭrbacha. First in the procession, however, was the ustabashi – the eldest and most respected master – who carried a green staff topped with a red apple, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and renewal. Beside him walked the other masters, followed by the journeymen, or master candidates. An integral part of the reenactment is the speech of the ustabashi. This year the role was performed by beloved actor Stoyan Aleksiev.

In his address, he emphasized:

“You must know that guild customs and regulations have existed since ancient times – from our forefathers and their fathers before them – and it is upon these that crafts and arts in our lands have flourished and shall continue to flourish. The masters of our craft are like river stones – rounded and smooth. They are alert and enterprising.
You must remember: to those entrusted with leading and managing guild affairs, you owe the proper honor and respect, and you must also honor one another. It has long been said: ‘From the hearth and kin, a boy brings honor to his master.’
You must know and strictly observe the rules and regulations of the guild. Every craftsman is obliged to work diligently and with quality—and at a fair price. Be attentive and strict with the journeymen and apprentices, for it is known: ‘Only he who eats the hard bread of others and learns the craft among strangers will become a good man and master the trade well!’
To many good years! May we live and be healthy and meet the holiday again next year! And may God grant that the saint helps us all!”

At the end of the ceremony, the region’s doyen of masters – bladesmith Kiril Kolikov – placed the traditional red master belts over the shoulders of the new masters.

This year, master certificates were awarded to new masters and journeymen in crafts such as precious metalwork, leathercraft, bladesmithing, artistic leatherworking, jewelry making, artistic knitting, millinery, and tailoring.

Part of the guild celebration was also the opening of the photo exhibition “Living Crafts of Southeast Europe”, organized by the Regional Centre Sofia – UNESCO in partnership with cultural institutions and museums from all 17 member states. The exhibition features 30 photo panels and showcases over 50 traditional crafts from the region – from ceramics and weaving to woodcarving, blacksmithing, and basketry.