Hospitality

Bulgarians can overwhelm with hospitality.
If you are invited to someone's home, here
are a few things to remember that may be
different to your own country's customs.

Do not go empty handed - if you are invited
it is customary to take some flowers or
wine or other small gesture. With flowers
remember they should be an odd number
of stems (even numbers are only for funerals).

Many Bulgarian families remove their
shoes at the door. Of course they will not
allow you as their visitor to do this, but
if weather conditions are particularly bad
you can always pre-empt any embarrassing
situation by bringing along a pair of clean
shoes to slip on.

Most importantly, remember that shaking
your head means ‘yes’ and nodding means
‘no’. It can cause great confusion and it is
best always to say the word.

When complimenting the looks of a child,
people may make a couple of spitting
sounds which according to superstition
should prevent a jinx.