Kupriyan and Ustinya October 15: why it is dangerous to take food from strangers on this day

It was believed that on this day evil forces are especially active and can send spoilage or “fear”. To protect themselves, the men read the prayers to Kupriyan, and the women turned to Ustinya. Of particular danger were drunkards and foul-mouthed: it was believed that demons appear to them in a natural form, depriving them of sleep and rest (the people explained attacks of “white fever”). For fear of slander, which is supposedly transmitted through food or kissing, on October 15, it was strictly recommended not to take treats from strangers, nor to beware of sudden wind or rain.

At home, life went on as usual. Peasants began winter sowing beets, carrots, garlic and greens. For young girls, it was time for quiet needlework evenings. Noisy festivities were replaced by concentrated work: brides weaved on the Intercession, sewed and embroidered the dowry, singing long, sometimes sad songs, which the people affectionately called “languish”.

A separate pleasant tradition of this day is a trip to the forest for ops and late redheads. Opepas were valued: they are rarely wormy, great for salting whole barrels and, unlike other mushrooms, grow in friendly families.

People's signs for October 15:

• Began active leaf fall - soon it will cool sharply.

• If it rains all day, winter will be cold and harsh.

• It is believed that people born on this day have an acute sense of justice and a firm character.