October 7: Why this day was considered special

October 7 according to the national calendar - Thekla Zarevnica, or Thekla Zapredalnitsa. In the Orthodox calendar on this day remember the equal-to-the-apostles First Martyr Thekla of Iconia. In Russia, the date was associated with the completion of harvesting, the beginning of threshing grain and homemade needlework.

The name "Zarevnitsa" is associated with lights in ovine, where they began to dry and thresh the grain of the new harvest. The work could continue until late, so the autumn twilight was lit by glow from the fire. Another name - Spraydnitsa - is associated with the tradition of spinning.

On this day, they also tried to complete the main work with the harvest and prepare bread from new grain. In the folk tradition, there was a belief that what you tie on Thekla can no longer be untied, so the date was considered suitable for weddings and family undertakings.

On October 7, the weather and nature judged the coming winter:

In the old days, economic work continued: they completed harvesting, began threshing and dried grain. Women sat at the spinning wheel, did needlework and prepared bread from the flour of a new harvest.

Also, this day was considered suitable for completing household chores and preparing supplies for the winter. According to popular beliefs, it was considered a good sign to marry Thekla - such a union promised to be strong.

According to some traditions, October 7 was not recommended:

They were especially attentive to fire: work in vin was associated with drying grain, so careless handling of the flame could lead to a fire.

On October 7, Orthodox Christians remember the Equal-to-the-Apostles First Martyr Thekla of Iconia. According to church tradition, she was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and devoted her life to preaching the Christian faith.

Also on this day the Church remembers the Monk Nikandr of Pskov, the Monk Martyr Galaction of Vologda and other saints.