
Bosnian Folklore: The Superstitions That Shape Daily Life
An Englishman in the Balkans
10/21/24
•14m
About
Comments
Featured In
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!
In this episode, Tamara and I explore an array of fascinating Bosnian superstitions and traditions.
We discuss the myth of 'promaja,' the belief in the harmful effects of drafts, along with rituals like throwing water behind travellers for luck and the significance of breaking mirrors.
We delve into Christmas customs such as baking Česnica bread and practices like carrying a Qur'an or using charms to ward off the evil eye.
We share insights on how these superstitions intertwine with social etiquette and daily life, reflecting Bosnia's rich cultural mosaic.
Our discussion spans from financial omens with itchy palms to the broader, harmonious connection these beliefs have with the land and heritage.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.
I’d also love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!
Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!
Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.
Mentioned in this episode:
Tamara Intro Tip
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
Previous Episode

From California to the Balkans
October 15, 2024
•53m
Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I, David, share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
📌 New episodes every week. Subscribe now and explore Bosnia with me!
Embracing a New Life: One Woman's Journey from Silicon Valley to Slovenia.
In this episode of “An Englishman in the Balkans’, I share the fascinating journey of Camilla Dugonjić as she transitions from a tech-centric upbringing in California to a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle in Northern Slovenia.
Discover her experiences of adapting to a new culture, learning one of the world's most difficult languages, and raising her children close to nature.
Camilla offers insights into the challenges and rewards of foraging and growing food, navigating cultural differences, and embracing vulnerability.
She shares her stories, from making sourdough bread to installing a sauna inspired by local traditions.
This episode delves deep into the personal growth and beautiful connections that come with living between worlds, showcasing the incredible pull of the Balkan region.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast on your favourite platform so you never miss a new release. And, if you have a moment, a quick rating or review would mean the world. It really helps others discover the show.
For more updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments consider Subscribing to My Blog.
I’d also love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.
You can send comments, thoughts and suggestions to: questions@anenglishmaninthebalkans.com I reply to every mail!
Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
Enjoying the podcast? If you’d like to support the show and help me continue sharing stories and insights about life here in the Balkans, consider Buying Me a Coffee!
Your support means the world and helps keep the episodes coming.
Mentioned in this episode:
Tamara Intro Tip
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.coffeeandrakija.com/subscribe
Next Episode

The Earthquake That Changed Banja Luka Forever
October 27, 2024
•22m
Surviving the 1969 Banja Luka Earthquake: Personal Stories of Strength and Recovery Join me in this moving episode, as we journey back to October 1969 when the catastrophic Banja Luka earthquake struck Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hear the emotional account of an 18-year-old Hasna, who vividly remembers the terror and the community's resilience in the aftermath. We'll explore the extensive damage, the massive rebuild effort led by the Yugoslav government, and the lasting impacts on urban planning and emergency preparedness. Through poignant stories and heartfelt reflections, learn how this disaster transformed Banja Luka and revealed the indomitable spirit of its people.
Support the Podcast by buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/davidbailey
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted




