What should not Volgograd residents do on September 21, on the Christmas of the Most Holy Mother of God

In the folk tradition, the holiday received several names: Small All-Pure, Ospozhinki and Osenina.

Little All-Pure, unlike the Assumption, which is called the Great All-Pure. The feasts symbolized the end of the harvest: peasants thanked for the collected bread, vegetables and fruits, went to visit and arranged feasts. Autumn also meant the meeting of autumn, when the field work was completed, and economic care was transferred to the house.

One of the most beautiful customs was the solemn meeting of autumn by the water. At dawn, women went to rivers, lakes or ponds, carrying freshly baked oatmeal bread with them. The eldest in the family kept a loaf while the others sang ritual songs, addressing the Virgin with pleas for family happiness.

After the ritual, bread was divided among themselves, and some was necessarily given to livestock, thanks to higher powers for abundance and asking for prosperity for the farmstead.

Also on the Osenins carried out the ceremony of renewal of the hearth: the old fire in the oven solemnly extinguished to light a new, clean. This symbolized purification, the beginning of a new life cycle and the renewal of the family order.

To protect the house from the evil forces of the hostess wove amulets of ears, medicinal herbs, spruce branches and bunches of ash. They were tied with red ribbons and hung above the front door.

As with any big holiday, Osenin had a number of prohibitions, the violation of which, according to legend, could cause trouble.

It was impossible to engage in heavy physical labor without extreme necessity - the holiday was intended for a well-deserved rest after field work.

It was impossible to quarrel and swear, because the conflict that occurred on this day could last for a long time. Women were not recommended to pick up a needle or spokes, so as not to bring trouble to themselves and their loved ones.

It was impossible to refuse to help loved ones and spend the day alone, since the holiday was considered purely family. It was forbidden to lend or borrow money to avoid future financial losses.

The use of knives and other sharp objects promised loss of luck, and clothing of dark shades could attract problems and misfortunes.