Bulgarian Culture EDU210- FALL 2014 PROFESSOR JOE DAVIS BRANDYN MILLER

Bulgaria  Capital:  Sofia  Population:  7,450,349  Religions:  Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%  Muslim 12.2%  Other Christian 1.2%  Other 4%  Poorest Country in the EU

History- General  Ottoman Turks conquered region  Russian-Turkish War  Fought to gain independence  Region divided into:  North- Kingdom of Bulgaria  South- Eastern Romelia  Reunited to form Bulgaria in1885  Third Bulgarian Empire

History- General  Post WWII-  Bulgaria came under communist influences  Communist Leader- Georgi Dimitrov  First Directly Elected President:  Zhelyu Zhelev  Declining Economy Caused:  Widespread Protesting  Resignation of Socialist Prime Minister  Joined NATO  Joined European Union (EU)  Denied aid due to rampant organized crime

History- Reasons for Migration  Avoid Economic/Social Distress  Widespread poverty  Riots  Communist Rulers  Organized Crime  Socialist Influences

Geographical Distribution in the US  There are 63,000 people of Bulgarian decent in the US  Mainly concentrated in:  California  Illinois  New York  Florida  Ohio  Texas

Gender Roles  Women  Generally not employed as  Administrators  Management  Technical Sciences  Generally Responsible for Childcare & House Work  Men  Responsible for farm work involving:  Animals  Machinery

Family Structure  Bulgarian Families tend to be very large  Do Not follow the Traditional Nuclear family style  Generally includes extended family  Several generations living in the same house  Work together to accomplish everyday tasks

Family Roles  Extended Families are expected in Bulgarian Culture  Given a hierarchy  Oldest Family Members form the top  Always addressed First & by title  Generally served first at meals  Also responsible for actions of entire family  Make decisions for the group  Responsible for discipline

Cultural Values on Education  Mandatory until age 16  Secondary School  Entry exam to determine admittance  Classes chosen by students specific interests  Curriculum similar to American high school  Two matriculation exams in order to graduate  Students have 2 Secondary School Choices  Professional  General

Bulgarian National Holidays  March 3 rd – Liberation Day  To celebrate freedom from Ottoman Rulers  May 6 th – St. George’s Day  Celebrates the Bulgarian Military  May 24 th – Bulgarian Education & Culture Day  Celebrates the Bulgarian Culture

Possible Cultural Conflicts- Holidays  A Bulgarian Christmas  Festivities begin Christmas Eve  Last day of Christmas Lent  Celebration continues to New Year’s Day  Feast  Gifts exchanged  Tree decorated  Children go door to door, wishing good tidings to neighbors  Receive candy  Similar to Trick or Treating

Possible Cultural Conflicts- Health & Communication  Health  Short life expectancy  Cardiovascular and respiratory disease  Greetings  Always Greet with:  Firm Handshake  Eye Contact  Title & Surname  Bring Flowers & Spirits  Avoid Lilies, They are used in Bulgarian Funerals  Must have odd number of flowers.

Resources  etiquette/bulgaria.html etiquette/bulgaria.html  education/secondary-school/ education/secondary-school/  