This ancient Bulgarian ritual is considered the turning point in the mythological calendar of the ancient people – a ritual connected to the summer Equinox, when the day is longest and the night is shortest. Enyovden / Enyo’s Day is a favorite summer holiday for young and old. It practically divides the year into two. It is believed that after that feast, winter sets on its long way to the people. The story of Enyo putting on his furcoat and going to search for snow reminds that it is time to think of the long cold months to come.
People get up early that day to see the sun “turning three times” - whoever manages to "bathe" in the dew will be safe from illnesses until Midsummer Day next year. Old people say the legend of Enyo - once upon a time, in a village, there used to live two young people, Enyo and Stana, who were very much in love. Every day they thought of each other,and the bread had no taste at all until they saw each another at least from afar. But the girl’s father had decided else and arranged an engagement for Stana in another village.
The wedding was set and the matchmakers arrived to take Stana away. The girl went with them because noone was supposed to turn back a wedding. When they reached the big bridge over the river Tundja she pulled down the bridal veil and threw herself into the river.Her beloved Enyo fell ill with sorrow. He lay ill in bed for nine years and nine beds got rotten under him. During that time there was not a drop of rain to fall in the village. The river dried up and death punished people and animals. On the tenth year Enyo’s sister took the forebeam from the loom, put the rolling-pin crosswise and wrapped it with a baby bundle. Then she dressed it in women’s clothes, covered it with a white veil and went to Enyo. “Get up, Enyo, get up, brother,” she said, “to see your Stana has come to be your bride…” The poor man opened his eyes wide, a smile shone on his face, he raised himself with open arms and then died.
Strong winds blew and heavy rains poured afterwards. The fields grew green, the sheep bleated, and the young girls sang songs of love. Ever since, there has been the custom - the young girls to make a “bride” on Enyo’s Day and sing songs of wedding and prosperity. Then they “sing over” the rings to see what man will love them and the music and dances have no end on that day.
Name day of everyone named Enyo, Yanko, Yana, Yanka.