Unknown healing practices and beliefs from the past are revealed in the latest exhibition of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv. The exhibition is entitled “In the Name of Life” and is dedicated to Bulgarian folk medicine. The carefully selected collection presents the richness of traditional healing methods passed down from generation to generation. Through original exhibits from the museum’s collection and old books, visitors will come into contact with the spiritual and practical world of the Bulgarian people in their centuries-long struggle against disease.

Special attention is given to people’s perceptions and beliefs about the human body and illness as an integral part of life. The exhibition tells the story of some of the most widespread diseases, such as smallpox, plague, cholera, and fever.

“Old Bulgarians believed that diseases were beings that lived in other worlds. When they came to earth, they took on a human form, but could also become invisible, ‘enter’ people’s bodies, and make them ill,” comments Dr. Bilyana Popova, Chief Assistant at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

“Disease harms not only the body but also the soul. After striking a person, it drains their strength. That is why people sought ways for quick and successful healing through various practices for protecting and purifying the soul and body. They turned to healers, herbalists, folk practitioners, and bonesetters; prayers were offered to Saints Haralampius, Barbara, or Panteleimon. Rituals were performed to banish and neutralize evil spirits,” Popova further explains.

The exhibition “In the Name of Life” also presents specific ritual practices involving fire, water, and herbs, which served as protection against the “unclean” and disease-causing forces. Visitors will learn how bread was believed to have healing powers as well. Among the highlights are various plants and herbs which, in addition to their healing properties, were believed to protect people from the harmful forces of dragons, fairies (samodivi), and other mythological creatures.

Initially, the exhibition was presented to scientists and students from the Medical University of Plovdiv. One of the goals of the joint project between the museum and the university was to provide students of modern medicine with a visual example of how their ancestors sought cures for diseases and what beliefs and rituals they practiced in their search for miraculous healing powers.