What to do on October 10: sweet traditions and true signs - tips for the day from "MK in Pskov"

October 10 in the national calendar - a day with a special "honey" mood. It was believed that it is now worth completing the apiary troubles, generously share the harvest and listen to the hints of nature. "MK in Pskov" tells what things on October 10 our ancestors considered mandatory - and how these traditions could become the key to prosperity for the whole winter.

The day should start with the care of bees: it was October 10 that the seasonal work on the apiary was completed. The hives were insulated and transferred to protected places so that the bees were calm until spring. And even on this day it was customary to pray to Saint Savvatius - the patron saint of beekeepers - for a good harvest of honey.

Starting on October 10, we began to taste fresh honey, and not just for ourselves. It was generously given to relatives, neighbors and those who needed support. In the old days, honey was considered the main autumn medicine: it was believed that it would save you from colds and add strength in the long cold months.

The hostess on this day baked cakes and cookies with honey. They were supposed to eat on an empty stomach in the morning - and strictly in the circle of the family. Even the crumbs were not thrown away: they were given to poultry, so that the house always had plenty.

On October 10, horse trades and fairs were often arranged - noisy, bright, with a special atmosphere. For girls, this day was also an occasion to look after the groom among the buyers of horses. There were even special customs: for example, “accidentally” throw a guy under the feet of a grain or imperceptibly tie a red thread to his clothes – it was believed that this helps to attract attention.

Observing nature was also an important part of the day. The behavior of bees was judged about the upcoming winter: if the flyer remained ajar, and the bees themselves behaved calmly - this foreshadowed a mild winter.