Nikita Gusyatnik: what can and cannot be done by Volgograders on September 28

Geese wires and turnip collection

Early in the morning the faithful went to the temples. The Great Martyr Nikita was asked to bestow courage in the hour of trials and to heal from diseases. The people considered him the patron of the goose yard, so they prayed to protect the bird from the case and predatory beast.

In most Russian regions on this day began to remove turnips. Peasants dug root vegetables, cleaned, sorted and sent for storage. Eat it raw, and boiled, and steamed, added to cereals and soups, used as a filling for pies, and in some places cooked kvass from it. Hence the name of the day - Reporez. Thanks to good keeping – until the end of spring – turnips helped peasants survive the winter.

Goose day and festive table

The end of September is the time of mass departure of wild geese for wintering. Their behavior was watched especially carefully: the height of the flight, screams and habits predicted what the weather would be. At home geese by this time ended summer fattening. The bird was prepared for autumn slaughter, its meat was stored for the winter.

On this day, it was customary to arrange a rich feast and call relatives. The main dish was baked goose, often stuffed with apples or served with turnips.

These birds are associated with the ancient ritual of appeasement of water – the lord of the rivers and the protector of ducks and geese. A portion of the festive food was donated to him to protect the rest of the herd.

Popular prohibitions and omens

There are a number of bans on September 28. You could not leave the turnip in the ground – you need to remove it at this time. You shouldn’t be alone – loneliness can last for months. Bragging about money or success can lead to losses. Extravagance promised financial difficulties.

Girls are not advised to look at the departing geese for a long time, or you will have to wait for the betrothed before the birds return.

You cannot hurt or harm poultry, as well as disturb wild geese and other migratory birds for fun. On this day, time should be spent calmly, doing household chores.

The weather signs of the day are also associated with geese. High flight of birds foreshadowed a large spring flood, low - small. If the goose stood on one leg or pressed his paw, waiting for a quick cold snap and frost.

A bird hiding its head under its wing was considered a sign of early winter. The geese splashing in the water foreshadowed warming, and those who sat on the ground and did not hurry to take off - warm autumn.