Folk signs: what not to do Volgograd on November 8, Dmitriev day
On November 8, the Orthodox world remembers the Great Martyr Dimitry of Thessaloniki. As a Roman military commander, he accepted the execution, not wishing to renounce Christianity. In the national calendar, this date is known as Dmitriev or Dmitrov Day, as well as Big Osenin
Dmitriev Day, like other folk holidays of late autumn, marked the transition to winter. Peasants summed up the results of economic work, made calculations with workers and completed the autumn season.
On this day, people remember their dead and pray for them. People visited cemeteries, cleaned graves and arranged a memorial meal.
In addition, on November 8, the owners settled with seasonal workers, trying to simultaneously negotiate with them on hiring for the next year.
Also on Dmitriev day, men checked the horse harness, repaired the sled and harvested firewood.
To the approaching cold, livestock were prepared, animals were finally transferred to stalls.
Women, in turn, reviewed the reserves of grain, pickles and vegetables, put the cellars in order.
At this time, the autumn wedding season ended, which began immediately after the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God on October 14, so in the countryside they rushed to finish matchmaking and preparation for weddings until the winter frosts hit.
On Dmitriev day, according to popular beliefs, there were several strict prohibitions, the violation of which could cause trouble. It was strictly not recommended to quarrel and start family quarrels, since any conflict on this date threatened to permanently settle discord in the house.
It is forbidden to refuse help to a person in need. It was believed that the manifested indifference could later turn into a serious need for the refused. At the same time, you should not wash the floors and sweep. People believed that in this way you can “blow out” from the house wealth and well-being.
In addition, it was impossible to start new business, it threatened failure and failure. Finally, it was forbidden to idle or postpone the necessary preparations for the winter, since such carelessness, according to popular belief, could lead to serious difficulties in the future.
As for weather signs, the morning thick fog promised rapid warming, frost on the trees promised a snowy winter, and snow that fell on this day – cold and late spring.
