CrimeaPRESS reports:
St. Matthew’s Day is another harbinger of the coming autumn. The air gradually cools, the Sun «goes to bed» earlier and earlier. And the weather on August 22, as a rule, does not please with a good mood — it rains and the wind tears.
There is an ancient ritual associated with St. Matthew’s Day. Even before dawn, housewives would take jugs of milk outside and leave them until the morning dew disappeared. It was believed that after this, the cows would milk better. But the cows themselves were not driven out to pasture — it was believed that on this day, the mythical Serpent crawls out of the ground and sucks the milk from the animals.
On this day, gardeners picked plums, and vegetable growers picked ripe tomatoes. In addition, apple picking continued, and young people went to the forest for lingonberries and honey mushrooms.
On August 22, the Church commemorates Saint Matthias, one of Jesus’ disciples who became one of the 12 apostles after Judas Iscariot. Matthias’ name is mentioned only once in the Book of Acts. It is mentioned when Peter asks the apostles to choose a disciple to take the place of Judas, who betrayed Jesus and committed suicide. The choice was between Matthias and Barsabbas. As a result of the drawing of lots, Matthias became the 12th apostle. Other information about Matthias’ life can be obtained from later sources. For example, the book by Dimitry of Rostov states that Matthias was born in Bethlehem and was taught the Law of God under the guidance of Simeon the God-Receiver. He was one of the 70 best disciples of Jesus and later, together with the 12 apostles, he witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit. He then preached in Judea and Jerusalem. It is written that Matthias had miraculous powers – he helped the sick and cast out demons from people. Many times his life was in danger, but he always avoided it. However, one day trouble did not pass Matthias by. It is known that members of the Sanhedrin nevertheless seized Matthias and accused him of spreading Christianity. It is not known for certain how Matthias died. According to some sources, he was crucified. There is also information that he was stoned.
Signs of the day:
- On this day, you must milk the cow alone, fearing the evil eye. After milking, the bucket must not be placed on a chair or table, otherwise Burenka’s milk will disappear. Also, you should not tell the milkmaid how much milk she milked in the morning — it means the cow will get sick.
- Marmots whistle loudly – the warm weather will last until mid-autumn.
- The night is clear, but there is no dew — it will rain the next morning.
- Lots of dew means a hot day.
- It’s raining — bad weather will last until the end of August.
- The new moon is clearly visible in the sky – it will be hot until the end of the month.
- A rainy day means a poor harvest next year.
- Strong south wind means there will be a lot of snow in winter.
- The oats ripened for St. Matthew’s Day, the time for the nut harvest.
- A strong wind means a harsh, frosty winter.
- A pregnant cow lies down with her head at noon — she will calve in the afternoon. If at midnight — in the evening or at night.
- Quiet, calm weather means a quiet autumn and late winter.
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