What can not do Volgograd on October 13, the day of Mikhail Solomenny

Straw fires and protection from evil spirits

According to legends, at the end of the X century, Patriarch Nicholas II of Constantinople sent Michael to Korsun for the baptism of Prince Vladimir. Later, the saint arrived in Kiev and began to actively convert local residents to the Christian faith. Today his relics rest in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

In Russia on this day there was a unique and large-scale ceremony: young women massively burned their old straw beds. Some did it right in the ovens, others made bonfires in tins. Peasants believed that fire cleanses the house and protects the family from the evil eye and damage. However, the ritual had a purely practical, rational explanation. Over the long summer, harmful insects and parasites inevitably began in the straw stuffing of mattresses and pillows. Old beds were mercilessly burned along with the infection to make new and clean. Along with straw, old worn-out paws were often sent to the fire. It was believed that this symbolic action “gives winter a turn” and accelerates the arrival of cold weather.

To straw in Russia was treated with great respect. People said that it absorbs the life-giving power of the earth and solar energy. Experienced housewives on shaken from the mattress straw often judged the physical health and condition of the owner of the bed.

Our ancestors were sure that on the eve of the great feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, evil forces roam the streets and fields. If the peasants found broken trees or rooted plants in a forest or field on October 13, they had no doubt that it was the work of otherworldly beings. Another important tradition of the day was bathing children right on the doorstep of their home – this water procedure will reliably protect babies from serious diseases throughout the coming winter.

Grigoriev Day and strict prohibitions

October 13 in the national calendar also remembered the Hieromartyr Gregory. This courageous monk and ascetic lived at the turn of the III and IV centuries and accepted a martyr's death for his faith. The people called the day Grigoriev, and it was associated with many strict warnings.

Going to the forest and relaxing in nature on this day is strictly forbidden. Peasants believed that before hibernation, forest spirits begin to riot and can cause serious harm to a person. It was not recommended to wear dirty, worn or leaky clothes, as this could attract trouble and illness to the owner.

To let strangers into the house was strictly forbidden. It was believed that a person with an evil eye could spoil the well-being of the whole family. For the same reason, you should not accept gifts from strangers: along with the thing you could take on other people’s problems and troubles.

It is not recommended to start repairs in the house on October 13. Folk wisdom said that the construction or repair started on this day, will be incredibly difficult, problematic and will last for many months. It was also impossible to go to bed on an old, stale bed. Before going to bed, the hostess had to change the bed linen so that the night would pass calmly and safely.

Folk signs about the weather and harvest

According to the weather of October 13, peasants predicted with high accuracy the next winter and the next harvest. If on this day the first snow fell, then there was still a lot of time before the onset of real and severe frosts. If the cranes have managed to fly south, the winter will come early and will be severe.

Hunters and foresters watched the squirrels closely. If the rodent completely changed summer fur to thick winter, then autumn and winter will be good, calm and snowy. If the ray in the oven burns unclear and smokes, then in the near future it is worth waiting for inclement and rainy weather. A foggy and muddy moon also foreshadowed imminent bad weather.

If in the morning beautiful frost patterns appeared on the windows, then during the day long-awaited guests will definitely appear in the house. But if it fell dry and fluffy snow, it promised a rich and productive next year.