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/