"Iverskaya" October 26: what the ancient traditions and bans of the day

This day was called the “bath day”. It was customary to restore order in the steam room: clean the oven, wash containers and change rotten boards. A special ritual concerned health: infusions of medicinal herbs were put on red-hot shelves so that they “prevented” and gained strength. It was believed that a good park with a broom and herbal decoctions on stones gives good health for the whole winter and is able to heal even serious ailments.

The owner of the steam room is a harsh and vengeful spirit. According to legend, he could pour boiling water or throw a red-hot stone. To appease him, a piece of soap, water and a broom were left in the corner. When building a new bath under the threshold buried strangled black chicken. It was strictly forbidden to bathe alone or after sunset: an angry spirit could soar to death. He had to escape from his anger by walking back.

The second name of the holiday – “Golden Learner” – is associated with needlework. Zlata was revered as the patroness of seamstresses. From that day began to actively sew onuchi (portyanka) - long sections of fabric for winding the legs under the paws or boots. In winter they used warm cloth, in summer - canvas, and for insulation laid a kudel. The correct winding reliably protected the legs from cold and calluses.

The main bans on October 26:

• Wash in the bath alone, at night or without removing the cross.

• To swear, swear and wish evil (negative will come back boomerang).

• Start new important things or go on a long journey.

• Abuse alcohol.

Normal housework, cleaning and sewing, on the contrary, are welcome!

Dreams on the night of October 26 are considered prophetic: they warn of danger and tell you how to heal mental pain. People born on this day are distinguished by iron will, perseverance and the ability to achieve everything exclusively by their work.