One Bulgarian Tradition from the Early Middle Ages Preserved by the 20th Century

Authors:

Pages: 571-577
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/DSZJ6278

Abstract:

The article presents and analyses an old Bulgarian tradition which has its roots in the Early Middle Ages and kept itself up until the 20th century. The essence of the tradition is giving (granting) one’s own child to another family for upbringing (adoption). The name of this tradition has changed through the ages – in the Early Middle Ages it was called izgoystvo, in 11th–12th century – harizvane, and in traditional Bulgarian culture this child was called hraneniche. The main aim of parents of the given child through this act was to ensure its survival and existence, despite it being part of someone else’s household.

Keywords:

Early Medieval Bulgaria, childhood, surviving, poverty, adoption.

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