On the first day of May, the church honors St. Kuzma, who during his life worried about the peasants, helped them not to feel the need. According to folk signs, sowing began on May 1, with which the thoughts of the peasants were connected at that time. There was a belief that the saint protects the crops from freezing and drying out, so on May 1 they prayed to Kuzma for a rich harvest.
Traditions of the day of Kuzma the gardener
For better germination, the peasant women sprinkled the seeds with well water near the source. To do this, the day before, early in the morning, the women went with seed to the well. After the ritual of wetting the seeds, they threw copper coins into the well – according to ancient Slavic beliefs, this would increase the yield.
Other farmers believed that the best preparation was to wet the seeds with river or spring water for three days at dawn. They did it secretly so that no one could see. According to the omen, an envious glance can have a very bad effect on the harvest.
They took care of the seeds. According to superstition, if you eat even a single seed prepared for planting, the whole harvest of vegetables will be eaten by a worm.
Folk omens on May 1 according to the state of the plants suggest when to sow garden crops:
- The first leaves on the bird cherry are a signal to plant potatoes;
- Alder has blossomed – it's time to sow buckwheat. You need to sow in bad weather, and harvest in good weather;
- Flowers appeared on willow-bredin and the first violets – you can sow carrots, dill, parsley, onions and radishes.
During planting or sowing, make a wish. There is a sign: if the planted material sprouts, the wish comes true.
During the digging of the plot, they said: 'Kuzma came – looked into the cellars, took a shovel – dug up the earth near the hut.' This meant that the saint blessed the crops and would protect them.
According to superstition, what is planted by a man does not bloom and does not bear fruit. Therefore, only women sowed, planted seedlings and weeded vegetable beds.
What to expect in the near future
Signs about weather and harvest:
- If it is warm on May 1, it will be cold at the end of the month.
- If May 1 is cold, May will be warm.
- The whole last month of spring is cold – bread will be born.
- Rain on the first day of May – portends a good yield of rye.
- The clouds overflowed – a harbinger of better weather.
- Geese splashing – warming is expected.
- A lot of morels in spring – a harbinger of a high yield of buckwheat and millet.
Sign by date of birth: people born on Kuzma's day become good gardeners. If they love the land and devote their lives to their vocation, then they are lucky, and fate is happy. Black agate suits them as a talisman.
Cuckoo predictions
The beginning of May is cuckoo day. At this time, her cooking spreads through the forests and groves. There are several signs associated with this moment:
- The forest was pubescent before the cuckoo first sounded – a fruitful year is expected.
- Long bird chuckling on the first day of May – portends warm weather, retreat of cold weather.
- If a bird cuckoo on a dry tree, frost should be expected.
- The cuckoo sang – it's time to sow flax.
- The cuckoo flies around the village – not good, there may be a fire.
Walpurgisnacht rites and other customs on the first day of May
If it rained on May 1, they did not hide from it. According to the sign, hair soaked in rain will grow violently like May grass.
On the first day of May, healers collected herbs for the treatment of seriously ill patients. It was believed that on this day, plants acquire miraculous powers.
The night from April 30 to May 1 is called Walpurgis. Ancient people believed that at this time witches sit on brooms and fly up the mountain, where they arrange a Sabbath, and indulge in debauchery all night long.
The villagers on Walpurgis Night were engaged in the exorcism of witches:
- they burned bonfires and threw witchcraft stuffed animals into the fire;
- walked around houses with torches;
- rang the church bell.
The peasants consider this time an unfavorable moment for marriage, they say, 'you will toil all century, and you will find out treason in your own home.' Popular wisdom: the richer the treat at the wedding, the happier the life of a married couple will be.
On the other hand, the ancient Slavic goddess Lada, the patroness of May, blesses the marriages of lovers. A wedding in May promises success and prosperity for a young family.
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