The Ethnographic Exhibition at the Regional History Museum – Pazardzhik, located at 8 “Otets Paisiy” Street, presents the guest exhibition “Spinning and Weaving Threads, Entwining Joy and Sorrow” – Magic and Magical Practices in Bulgarian Folk Culture.

This traveling exhibition from the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv reveals a glimpse into the magical practices rooted in Bulgarian folk customs—some of which are still alive today, while others have long been forgotten.

The display invites visitors into a lesser-known, mysterious world of rituals practiced by our ancestors.
Magic accompanied both everyday life and festive occasions, providing people with a sense of security about the future. It comprises actions and rituals performed with the belief that, through specific means and methods, one can influence others, animals, and nature.

Magic was practiced by individuals believed to be connected to supernatural powers: herbalists, fortune-tellers, enchantresses, sorceresses, charmers, and others. Even the shepherd held magical knowledge. These skilled individuals could influence life and death in various ways. They would use their knowledge either to help and heal or, when guided by dark forces, to harm.

The guest exhibition from REM – Plovdiv weaves joy and sorrow together, conveying wishes for luck, prosperity, and health. This magical path of ancestral wisdom is vibrant and serves as an amulet to protect against evil. The folklore is filled with enchanting beliefs—how to bring down the moon, turn a person into an animal, protect oneself from a dragon, or make a loved one fall in love…

The collection of valuable exhibits will remain on display at the Pazardzhik museum until February 2 next year.