Secrets and Practices of Bulgarian Folk Medicine Revealed in the New Exhibition of the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv
The exhibition, entitled “In the Name of Life,” is a joint project between the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv and the Medical University of Plovdiv. It presents, in a visual and engaging way, traditional healing methods and the beliefs connected with them. Through original artifacts from the museum’s collection and old books dedicated to herbal medicine, visitors are introduced to both the spiritual and practical world of the Bulgarian people in their centuries-long struggle against illness.
Special attention is given to the perceptions and beliefs that people held about the human body and diseases 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.
The old Bulgarians believed that illnesses were beings living in other worlds. When they came to earth, they took on human form but could become invisible, “enter” people’s bodies, and make them ill. Disease harmed not only the body but also the soul. Once it struck a person, it drained their strength. Therefore, people sought ways for quick and successful healing through various practices of protection and purification of both body and soul. They turned for help to healers, herbalists, folk doctors, and bone-setters, prayed to saints such as St. Charalambos, St. Barbara, and St. Panteleimon, and performed rituals to drive away and neutralize evil spirits.
The exhibition “In the Name of Life” also presents specific ritual practices involving fire, water, and herbs, believed to protect against “impurity” and disease. Visitors will also learn how bread could be used for healing. Among the highlights are various plants and herbs that not only possess healing powers but also protect people from the harmful influence of dragons, fairies, and other mythological creatures.
The exhibition can be visited until February 4 in Teaching Building 2 of the Medical University of Plovdiv, located at 26 Lyuben Karavelov Street. After that, it will be displayed at the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.
