Friday 10 November: strong traditions, ancient prohibitions and what to pray for

The Christian image of the Holy Martyr Paraskeva in Russia organically merged with the ancient cult of the Slavic goddess Makoshi, the patroness of women’s crafts, fertility and human destiny.

Our ancestors believed that on November 10 it is best to pray for an early successful marriage, family well-being and healing from ailments. Paraskeva was also considered the protector of livestock and fields. The fruits and herbs consecrated on this day in the church were kept in the house until the next harvest as a powerful amulet from diseases.

November 10 is a day of harsh rules, the violation of which, according to legend, threatened trouble. Women were strictly forbidden to:

In order to appease the higher forces, women conducted the ritual of “mocrida”: they threw a ball of thread or a linen coudel into the well. It was believed that if the gift is accepted, the craftsman will find a perfectly spliced thread at home. By the way, the linen watches were also a social event: the girls bragged about tattered linen, demonstrating their skills to the guys and future mother-in-law.

Those born on November 10 were credited with the gift of foresight.