Why on November 14 on Kuzma and Demyan can not offend cats

The memory of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Asia is honored by the Orthodox Church on November 14. In the folk tradition - autumn Kuzminki, Kuzma and Demyan, Kurya name day. We had our last weddings, honored blacksmiths and sorted chickens.

In the view of people, the holy unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Asia were considered the patrons of crafts, marriage and poultry. Therefore, the holiday had, if you can say so, a multi-purpose meaning. And since there was very little time left before the multi-day Christmas fast (started on November 28 and ended only on January 6), we walked widely and cheerfully. So to say, there was something to remember lean winter evenings.

The main economic event of the day was the sorting of poultry, mainly chickens, of which the peasant farm was the most. The hosts were updated by poultry houses, the hostess examined the birds for diseases. Weak individuals, who had little chance of surviving the cold (still earlier conditions were not as comfortable as they are now), were slaughtered. Meat was harvested for the winter - salted, smoked, made sausages and so on. From the rest of the "selected" birds prepared various dishes that went to the festive table. On this day, no one was supposed to go hungry, so everyone who was doing well was supposed to share chicken and eggs with poor villagers. This custom was strictly carried out, since, according to legends, the greedy masters of Kuzma and Demyan were very disliked and could be severely punished. In the evening, the girls gathered in one of the houses for gatherings - Chicken name days. During which the guys were treated to homemade cooking (of course, chicken), brewed beer, sang and danced until dawn. And at night, young people organized competitions for bird abduction: they dressed inconspicuously, climbed up to some chicken coop and tried to catch a chicken or rooster, which was presented to the girl they liked as a “war” trophy. However, it was not so easy, because each henhouse thieves waiting hosts, armed with sticks, brooms, grips and other household appliances. Everyone cheered, including the girls who secretly accompanied the guys. Serious fights were not started, but a broken eye in the fight for a chicken was considered a matter of life and for a long time served as a subject of jokes.

Since everything was upside down on Kuzma and Demyan in the huts, the owners tried to calm the housekeeper, who actually went to winter from Pokrov and slept peacefully behind the stove. So that the domestic spirit did not grieve, he was put on a treat for the stove. And on this day in any case it was impossible to offend his favorite cats. For example, driving a cat out of the house is not recommended, otherwise the owners will not see peace. What, and dirty house knows how to do like no other. And if you cooperate with the rest of the yard spirits, then generally put out the lights. That's why it's better not to run.

NOTES

♦ A warm day promises a mild winter, and snowfall is a heavy spring flood.

♦ A strong wind blows - frosts will soon burst.

♦ If the rivers start to freeze, then next year will be productive.

TRUTH

Kuzma and Demyan were considered divine blacksmiths who forged silver stars that adorn the winter sky, as well as wedding rings. Marriages made on this day were considered the strongest.

♦ Do not make rash purchases: according to legend, something bought on this day will not bring joy.

Girls for extradition can not refuse gatherings with friends, otherwise you will have a century alone to cook.

bebenina@sb.by