In Russia there were not so many autumn holidays and ceremonies, but this is due to the fact that the Slavs associated this time with the withering of nature and the sinking of life. Rituals, which still exist, have tremendous power, and they must be carried out according to all the rules.
Folk Autumnal Rituals for the Autumn
- Fire Renewal Ritual . The time when autumn comes into its own, is considered September 21, as the Indian summer ends. On this day the Slavs held a ritual of renewing fire. At night, all light sources were extinguished in the Autumn, and it could burn only in churches. After that, the fire was ignited in a new way, using either flint or two wooden sticks. It was believed that the flame that was lit on this day, contributes to the renewal of everything around and empowers a person with energy. To finish this autumn ritual, it is necessary to bypass the whole house with lighted fire, and also to light an oven from it. The smoke from the new fire, which fumigated the cattle, was also used to protect it from diseases and other problems.
- Ritual for women . Another ritual to the Autumn was held near the water and it was done exclusively by the fair sex. At dawn, women went out to the shore of the reservoir, taking with them oatmeal and jelly. Bread must have been in the hands of the most adult woman. She was put in the center of the dance, while other women sang songs, dancing around her. A woman with bread should read a prayer addressed to the Theotokos and ask her, to save her from misfortune and give her luck. After that, the bread was broken into pieces, the number of which should coincide with the number of participants. The women returned with him home, and fed them cattle. It was believed that such a ritual attracts wealth and prosperity to the house.
- Rite for the autumn solstice . On this day, you can conduct a rite "Nest" and it should be done by a woman. At dawn, you need to go to the forest to find so empty a nest of any bird. It was considered a symbol of the home for the Slavs. Entering the forest, it is important to bow, greeting the Mistress of the Forest. The nest found should be taken home and left in a red corner along with other talismans and amulets. Such a rite allowed us to find happiness in the family.