Bulgarians have songs for weddings, harvesting, and grape-picking, as well as for Christmas and Easter. Some songs are sung as solos, but groups of singers may sing in harmony, or even sing two different songs at the same time. Recordings of the Women's Choir of RTV Bulgaria are sold around the world. B ulgarian folk costumes are elaborately decorated. Both women and men wear full, white shirts.
Women wear embroidered bodices over richly ornamented skirts.
Colours, textiles and details signify age, marital status and regional origin. For example, the hair of unmarried girls can be shown, while the hair of married women is concealed. A white outer garment is compulsory for young married women, but unmarried women do not wear it. B ulgarian literature flourished during the 19th century when the first printing house was established. The most popular themes related to national independence.