There are three categories of people – part of the problem, part of the landscape and part of the solution
Since time immemorial, the lion has symbolized strength and power. But already in medieval Bulgaria this proud animal was burdened with inherent functions. It was forced to wear a crown. The native knows – the royal crown is heavy, even when it is made of cardboard. And the Old Bulgarian one was obviously not cardboard… Later, the master of the animals is also obliged to endure the burden of five centuries of slavery. Exactly how the Bulgarian lion survived being chased by Circassians, Bashibozuk and regular Turkish troops is another question. There is a hypothesis that in this period the lion underwent certain mutagenic changes (probably it became herbivorous, or evolved by photosynthesis). In any case, with all its regal splendour and crown, the Bulgarian lion once again gave an enigmatic roar in the Renaissance. “With golden levs” at the head paints the procession of heroes conquering Botev’s exultant speech. And no one asks the unfortunate Lion if he burns with enthusiasm to become the symbol of the Bulgarian National Awakening.
