About the name Peter
Etymology & meaning
Petar comes from the Greek Πέτρος (Petros) — "stone", "rock". The name is a literal rendering of the Aramaic Cephas, the byname Christ gave the apostle Simon: "you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church". Bulgarian forms include Петър, Пейо, Пешо and Пенчо, with the feminine Петра, Петя, Пенка and Петрана.
History & patron saint
The patrons are the holy chief apostles Peter and Paul, commemorated on Petrovden (29 June). The apostle Peter was among Christ's closest disciples and in Orthodox iconography holds the keys to the gates of paradise. In the Bulgarian folk calendar Petrovden closes the Apostles' Fast and opens high summer — from that day the new harvest's fruit may be eaten.
Traditions & customs
On Petrovden a cockerel or chicken is prepared as kurban and shared with neighbours for health. It is the first day on which apples and other new-harvest fruit are traditionally eaten — before Petrovden, women who have lost a child abstain from them. Celebrants greet guests with freshly baked banitsa and honey, and the table is already a summer one, with the garden's first tomatoes and cucumbers.
Popularity & notable bearers
Petar is among the most widespread Bulgarian male names across every era and was borne by rulers of both the First and Second Bulgarian Empires. Notable bearers include the scholar Petar Beron, author of the "Fish Primer", and the philosopher Petar Danov. Petrov and Petkov are among the most common Bulgarian surnames.
Suitable gifts
As Petrovden is a summer feast, seasonal fruit, honey, a bottle of white wine or something for the garden all suit. An icon of the holy apostles Peter and Paul is the classic choice.