According to the Orthodox calendar, November 17 is the day of remembrance of the great martyrs Presbyter Hermey and the secular bishop Nikandr, followers of St. Paul. According to signs, November 17 is considered unlucky, and people try not to leave the house unnecessarily.
Customs
The people say – 'Sit at home on Eremu'. November 17 is the day of evil spirits, she comes from heaven to earth and walks through the streets. Unclean things look into windows to steal fire or coal. It is believed that if you give coal to someone, then happiness will not come to the house. Empty houses or open doors are especially attractive to evil spirits. Therefore, believers try to close all doors and windows and not leave the house, so that evil spirits do not enter through the opening door.
On November 17 they do their homework. Women cook, heat the stove and clean the house, while the girls do handicrafts and have fun.
According to legend, on November 17, you cannot take things and food out of the house, as well as lend money. It is believed that if a thing or food brought out attracts an unclean person.
To protect property from unclean things, you should draw crosses with chalk on the shutters. The Slavs believe that a man-made amulet protects them from the negative effects of evil spirits.
On this day, no cross roads are used. The Slavs believe that the crossroads are a haven of supernatural power, therefore they cross themselves at the crossroads and read 'Our Father'.
Signs
According to folk signs, on November 17, they determine the weather for the coming days and the coming winter. The signs of the day itself indicate protection from evil spirits.
Signs for happiness in the house and family well-being
- to prevent evil spirits from entering the house, a branch of rowan should be placed on the windowsill;
- according to signs, a horseshoe in front of the entrance or an old snake skin protects the house well;
- to remain faithful to his wife, the husband should stay at home that day;
- On November 17, you cannot play a wedding, start a new business or make new acquaintances – by omen, this will not be useful for the family;
- a dream from November 16 to 17 is prophetic – a dream indicates the true path to be followed in life.
Signs for the weather
- if there is fog outside, wait for a thaw;
- according to signs, if in the morning frost covered the branches of trees and grass, it will be cold;
- to see a mosquito on this day – to imminent warming;
- the ducks stayed for the winter hut – it will be warm;
- snow fell on the new moon – to a good harvest of winter crops;
- according to the signs, if the snow has not melted, spring will delight with snowdrops;
- on the river the ice has become a stake – wait for the grain harvest;
- wavy clouds are visible in the sky – bad weather;
- the dawn turns green towards evening – there will be a clear day;
- according to the signs, if the chicken is touching the feather, wait for the snow;
- the forest in the distance turns black – to warmth;
- few mice in the barn – by the cold winter;
- you can see white circles around the sun – expect a snow storm.
Despite the strict ban on leaving the house on November 17, it is customary to hold youth festivities until dawn. Erema is the patron saint of the hearth and family, so in order not to anger the defender and not catch trouble from evil spirits, evening gatherings were arranged in the house.
