Paraskeva Gryaznukha arrived in Sochi on October 27: why today it is impossible to wash, clean and go on the road

On Tuesday, October 27, according to the national calendar, Paraskeva Gryaznukha is celebrated. This date is associated with unusual beliefs concerning household chores, travel and family well-being. We tell you what actions our ancestors tried to postpone and what signs predicted the onset of winter.

The Orthodox Church on October 27 honors the memory of the Monk Paraskeva of Serbia, who lived in the XI century. In folk tradition, the day was called Paraskeva Gryaznukh because of the autumn muddy, which often came by this time.

It was believed that the condition of the roads on this day can tell when the steady winter cold will come. If the ground got soaked after the rains, the real winter was expected in about four weeks.

One of the most famous folk restrictions concerns washing and large cleaning. According to ancient beliefs, along with dirty water, it was possible to symbolically “wash” family happiness and material well-being from the house.

Also on this day tried not to spin flax and wool. It was believed that breaking the tradition could lead to trouble.

It is not recommended to go on a long road without special need. This ban had a practical explanation: autumn rains made rural roads difficult to pass.

There was a belief that on October 27 it is undesirable to arrange noisy holidays, laugh loudly and quarrel with loved ones. People feared that excessive fun could be replaced by sadness.

A separate ban concerns the refusal of assistance to those in need. According to popular beliefs, manifested indifference could turn into family troubles.

The day was traditionally devoted to quiet household chores, preparing the farm for the winter and communicating with relatives.

The housewives prepared homemade pastries, handled the harvested linen and tried to help the neighbors. Believers prayed for the health and well-being of their families.