Kukeri Dancers From Bulgaria
Making the rounds of several bigfoot groups is a video from Bulgaria featuring Kukeri dancers. This troupe of performers are dressed in fur costumes with hair covered, and head-covering masks. And the question being asked is: Are these meant to depict a bigfoot-type creature?
Well, according to my research, in one word: Nope. Not if these dancers have designed their costumes based on traditional themes.
A kuker (singular form) is traditionally an elaborately costumed man who performs certain rituals that are intended to bring good luck to the village by frightening away evil spirits. The costumes are decorated with representations of domestic animals such as goats, bulls, rams, and chickens as masks. The masks are often made of wood while the body costume can be made of furs and animal pelts. Large bells are attached to the belt of the costume which make a loud noise while the performer dances. The costume and the noise are intended to scare the evil spirits. This way the village is believed to receive a good harvest, good health, and happiness for the coming year.
The rituals have varied through the locations and have varied through the ages, but the origins of the event remain the same. This pre-Lent dance is said to be at least 4000 to 8000 years old, with some saying even as long as 10,000 years ago.
Kuker is derived from the Latin Cuculla, meaning "hood" or "cowl". Or from cuculla, meaning "Quiver", as in a container.
In ancient Thrace the dancer is known as Kalogeros, "rod-carrier" which can also be shortened to cuci. Yugoslavia can use didi, didici. Bulgaria is Kuker, babushar. Pontic Anatolia is momogeros. Romania the figure mostly appears with a goat and is known as capra, turca, or brezeia. This divinity duo, which depicts a male figure impregnating the female figure, who then gives birth, symbolizes the farmer's act of ploughing, sowing, and reaping.
So, no mention of a big hairy man or creature in my research. If anyone can find a reference to such, please do share it with me. I don't like to leave research incomplete.
(sources: Wikipedia; The bohemian blog; When in Bulgaria.)
Nancy
This Post By TCC Team Member Nancy Marietta. Nancy has had a lifelong interest in the paranormal and cryptids. Nancy is also a published author and her book, The Price of war, has been met with great reviews.
[Please Note: Sadly Nancy passed away at the first of January, 2022. We will continue to honor her and her research by sharing her work. RIP Nancy. -Thomas]
