“I’m Laying Out Colorful Rugs for You” – a song of love, farewell and heroism

One of the most beautiful folk miniatures from the Pirin region, “Ya Ti Postilam Shareni Chergi” (I Am Laying Out Colorful Rugs for You) carries a powerful emotional charge. At first glance, the scene seems simple: a young woman prepares a bed for her beloved, laying out “colorful rugs” as a symbol of intimacy and comfort. But instead of staying with her, he saddles his horse and prepares to set off.

“Who are you leaving me to?” she cries. The man replies: to the two mothers — his own and hers. He chooses the mountains to become a haiduk and a hero. His choice is driven by a yearning for freedom and a heroic destiny, while the ending is already foreshadowed.

In Bulgarian folklore, nature is always a majestic presence, but it is also a language of the human soul. In this song, the fallen mist symbolizes sorrow, while the dew symbolizes tears.

“I Am Laying Out Colorful Rugs for You” exists in various versions. In some, the hero is identified as Manush Voyvoda, while in others, no specific name is given. What remains is the drama of a woman in love, left behind by her man in the name of duty and a heroic death.

Performed by many of Bulgaria’s most distinguished folk artists — from Gyurga Pindzhurova to Trio Bulgarka, and from the Bisserov Sisters to the vibrant Nusha Choir — the song is now best known in the arrangement by the renowned conductor and composer Kiril Stefanov.

Stefanov’s version of “I’m Laying Out Colorful Rugs for You” is among the signature pieces in the repertoire of the State Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances “Pirin.”

The name of Prof. Kiril Stefanov, one of the most significant figures in the history of Bulgaria’s folk ensemble tradition, has become legendary. Born in Blagoevgrad, his life and professional career remained closely connected to his native Pirin region.

After graduating from the Music Academy with a degree in choral conducting, he took over the leadership of the Pirin Folk Ensemble at just 23 and remained at its helm for nearly 50 years. Those 50 years marked the most important chapter in the ensemble’s history. Under the leadership of its chief artistic director, it established itself as a prestigious ensemble with a distinctive style and a strong international presence.

Kiril Stefanov’s approach to folklore is highly professional, intellectual and exceptionally artistic, grounded in an in-depth knowledge of local musical traditions and an aspiration to preserve their distinctive character. In his arrangements, the harmony deepens and highlights the beauty of the original folk source. A vivid and unconventional personality, Kiril Stefanov left a remarkable mark not only on the development of Bulgaria’s folk choirs and ensembles, but on Bulgarian music as a whole.

In 2012, Ruska Stoimenova, a renowned Bulgarian singer, founder and one of the most prominent soloists of the Pirin Folk Ensemble, said in an interview with the website struma.com that immediately after joining the ensemble, Kiril Stefanov introduced new techniques and a new approach to presenting folklore on stage: “He was so open to innovation that within a few weeks he completely transformed the ensemble… He created as he went, he had his own vision…”

Ruska Stoimenova described Kiril Stefanov as “a man blessed by fate, with colossal talent”, and said: “There are no irreplaceable people, but there are unique ones, and Prof. Stefanov is one of them… Prof. Stefanov is a phenomenon”, concluded the singer, who is a soloist in the arrangement of “I’m Laying Out Colorful Rugs for You.”

Decades after its creation, Kiril Stefanov’s version continues to reveal the enduring strength of the Bulgarian spirit and the irresistible magic of Bulgarian folklore.

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov