It is impossible to tackle the phenomenon of Nestinarstvo and the rituals in Strandzha Mountain without taking into consideration the idea of the "Holy Space". It comprises and is outlined by temple buildings, holy roads, springs and sections as well as by the worshippers' movement in it.
The Holy Springs
The holy springs are in honor of the most revered saints, and are visited on the patrons' days. The nestinars usually use different paths to the spring and on the way back. The holy icon is always carried in the lead of the procession in both directions. The musicians walk behind or in front of it. The whole ritual at the spring is performed by the saint's "visiya" (priest). He is usually from an old priestly clan that takes care of the spring. There, at the spring, the animal offerings are given. They are also accompanied by the so-called "bloodless offerings". No deviations from the path, to the spring and back, are permitted; otherwise they will be punished by the patron saint. On appointed days before the holiday the "visiya" and some chosen worshippers - in accordance with the type of ritual - go and clear the way and the spring.
The springs play an important role in the culture of the local people. With the apparition of a saint the worshippers find springs ("ayasmas") in their dreams, and point out the sacred place which will serve for offerings and other ritual acts (e.g serving of ritual bread, "horo" dances, etc.). The patron of the holy spring is usually one of the revered saints, who gave directions for the finding of the spring in the dream. The popular explanation of the respect for the spring is that people believe in the healing effects of its water. Sometimes the worshippers relate the place with the saint's life or death. That motive is an attempt for settling the differences with the church; for it does not allow the construction of altars and sanctifying of places discovered in dreams, and therefore orders their destruction.
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