Why you can not go to the forest on September 27 and what will happen if you violate the ban

The Exaltation of the Honest and Life-giving Cross of the Lord is a great twelfth feast established in memory of the finding of the Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. According to legend, the shrine was found in the IV century in Jerusalem by the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great – Queen Helena. After excavations, three crosses were found, and the right one was determined by a miracle: a sick woman, touching him, received healing.

In Russia, the name of the holiday was associated with the verb “to move” – and overgrown with sayings. “The elevation of autumn is moving towards winter,” “the caftan with a fur coat has moved,” the peasants said, noting that frosts are getting closer and closer. It was believed that on this day the third, final meeting of autumn takes place, and the Indian summer finally ends.

People believed that the forest becomes a dangerous place. Snakes gather in tangles and hide under rotten stumps, preparing for winter hibernation, and meeting them threatens to bite. On this day, the bear begins to look for a den. But the worst of all is the breeze: according to legends, he examines his possessions and can lead astray, frighten or even destroy an unexpected guest.

“A girl will go into the forest – a leopard will steal,” the villagers warned. And if a person did get lost, there was a ritual: you had to take off your clothes, shake them, read a prayer and put on again – it was believed that this protects against evil spirits and helps to find your way.

It was especially strictly forbidden to pass by places where murder was once committed - the unclean could "make a mistake." And if there were incomprehensible traces on the ground, they could not be crossed in any case - according to legend, these could be traces of forest scum, and who steps over will soon become seriously ill.

Prohibitions on the Exaltation were enough for every occasion of life. Here are the main ones:

Elevation is a fasting day, even if it falls on a Sunday. From the diet exclude meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and alcohol. Allowed vegetables, fruits, cereals, mushrooms, legumes and vegetable oil.

Cabbage was especially revered. “At the Exaltation of a good fellow cabbage at the porch,” said the people. Three days before the holiday, the Cohens were removed from the garden, and then rubbed cabbage together, at “cabbage evenings”, which were accompanied by jokes, songs and games.

He said, “Whoever fasts on the Exaltation will be forgiven seven sins.” And whoever does not fast, on him, seven sins will be raised.

Our ancestors carefully watched nature and predicted winter, spring and even next summer.

Not everything was forbidden that day. There were also good customs that were believed to bring good luck.

Despite strict fasting and gloomy prohibitions, the Exaltation was also a holiday. From that day in the villages began "cabbage" - girl parties that lasted up to two weeks. The girls dressed up in bright clothes, went home to chop cabbage, and the hostess treated them to cabbage pies. The evening ended with songs, dances and games.

In fact, it was a kind of girl's watches - similar to those held on Christmas trees. Guys looked after their brides, and parents looked at future relatives.

Even if you don’t believe in superstition, Exaltation is a good reason to slow down and pay attention to nature.

Check the weather. Morning frost or north wind – and you already know what to expect from winter.

Clean the house. The tradition of removing negativity with dust works regardless of belief in omens.

Cook the cabbage. Stewed cabbage, cabbage pie or fresh salad is a simple, tasty and symbolic dish for this day.

Don't plan anything big. If our ancestors believed that the new beginnings of September 27 were doomed to failure, why not have a day without haste and big decisions?

Spend the evening with your family. Modest dinner and quiet conversation - in the spirit of the traditions of the Ascension.