What should not Volgograd citizens do on October 14, on the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God

The history of the Intercession dates back to the middle of the X century. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to pray in the Church of Vlacher in the besieged Constantinople and stretched her omophorion (cover) over them as a sign of heavenly intercession.

On this day it is customary to turn to the Virgin with prayers for protection, health and family well-being.

In the national calendar, this date meant the final transition to winter. By the Intercession, peasants tried to complete all field work, collect the last harvest and make supplies for a long winter. From that day on, the winter began. Cattle were finally transferred from pastures to stables, and in place of cheerful street festivities came long evening gatherings in huts with needlework and songs.

On the feast of the Intercession, there are many traditions aimed at the well-being of the home. For example, apples that did not have time to collect before the Intercession were left on the trees until completely drying, after which these branches were cut and burned. It was believed that this ritual would keep the house warm for the whole winter.

In addition, before the cold, the owners tried to appease the house. For him, pancakes were baked so that the guardian spirit would sleep full: then, according to legend, there would be plenty of food in the house all year long.

Housewives were recommended to bake cakes and buns to treat guests and neighbors to them, because sincere generosity on this day, according to popular beliefs, will surely attract prosperity in the future. You should also wear elegant clothes, and women, both married and unmarried, be sure to cover their heads in a sign of deep respect for the holiday.

At the same time, there are certain restrictions on this day. It is not customary to engage in household work, such as cleaning or washing, making an exception only for preparing a festive lunch. It is highly undesirable to refuse hospitality, because the more welcoming you receive guests, the more prosperity will come to your home. The festive time should be spent with pure thoughts, avoiding quarrels, swearing and profanity, and instead build joyful plans and hopes.

And although Pokrov does not get to church fast, allowing you to put on the table any dishes, including meat and dairy, it is important to observe moderation, not abusing alcohol and not allowing gluttony, to maintain a bright and reverent mood of the day.

People say that the day of the Intercession like a mirror reflects the coming winter. The lack of snow suggests there will be no snowfall until December.

Special attention was paid to the direction of the wind. If it blows from the west or east, you should prepare for severe frosts, the south wind portends a mild and warm winter, and the north promises heavy snowfalls.