September 8th: Rich Stories That Make Today Special ✨

Hello, everyone! 🍂 As we welcome September 8th, on the threshold of autumn, what does this day mean to you? I was really interested when I saw this news. It turns out that this seemingly ordinary day is actually a very special one, imbued with thousands of years of wisdom and tradition!

Shall we explore the rich stories this day holds together? 😉

September 8th: What Special Day Is It?

Today, September 8th, is known in Slavic traditions as 'Natalya-Ovsyanitsa Day' (Наталья-Овсяница). 'Ovsyanitsa' means 'Oat Woman,' and as the name suggests, it's a day closely related to the oat harvest. This day was more than just a farming day; it held significant meaning as a time to give thanks for nature's bounty and to wish for the future.

This day also commemorates Saint Natalia,

making it a beautiful blend of Orthodox Christian and pagan customs.

Isn't that fascinating? 🌾

Natalya-Ovsyanitsa: Traditions of Abundance and Wisdom

On 'Natalya-Ovsyanitsa Day,' there were various traditions, omens, and prohibitions.

Let's look at these customs imbued with the wisdom of our ancestors!

1. Traditions of Bountiful Harvest

Oat Harvest and Sharing: This day focused especially on harvesting and storing oats. There was a custom of making kisel (Russian oat jelly), oat porridge, or bread with freshly harvested oats and sharing them with neighbors. It must have been a beautiful sight, sharing the joy of a new harvest with the community. 🍞
Visiting the Fields: The whole family would go out to the fields together 🌾 to thank the earth for granting a bountiful harvest and perform a small ritual to pray for next year's harvest. This tradition shows a deep respect for nature.
Honoring Ancestors: It was also a time to honor ancestors and pray for the health and well-being of the family. They believed that the abundant harvest was due to the hard work of their ancestors.

2. Omens Predicting the Future

There were many omens that predicted the future through natural phenomena.

If you look closely around you today, you might be able to make some predictions of your own! 😉

Morning Fog: Thick fog in the morning ☀️ is said to be a sign of a sunny and warm day.

However, if the fog disappears before sunrise, it might rain.
Rainy Day: If it rained on this day, they expected the weather to be fickle and bad throughout autumn and winter. Be sure to bring your umbrella! ☔
Bird Flight: If crows or other birds flew high, it was considered a positive omen for a bountiful harvest next year. Conversely, flying low meant a poor harvest.
Clouds and Temperature: If it's cloudy and chilly, an early winter is expected. 🌬️

3. Prohibitions to Observe

There were also prohibitions to avert bad luck and invoke blessings by avoiding certain actions.

No Disputes in Fields: Loud shouting or fighting in the fields was forbidden, as it was believed to anger the spirits of the land and negatively affect the harvest. Maintaining a peaceful mind was important. 🤫
No Major Farm Work: Especially on this day, major farm work like plowing or sowing seeds had to be avoided. This conveyed the meaning of letting the land rest to secure greater abundance next year.
No Lending Items: Lending grain or money to others was also not considered good. This was because it was believed to be like giving away one's own blessings.

Special Warnings: Avoid Garden Work and Overeating!

There were two wise warnings that can still apply to us living today: 'put off garden work for a while' and 'don't stuff yourself till you burst.'

1. Put off Garden Work for a While!

Stopping garden work on this day means more than just resting; it signifies deep respect for the land. It was believed that the soil needed rest to bring us abundance next year. It was considered an omen that if you treated the land carelessly on this day, next year's harvest would not be good.

So, instead of major soil-disturbing tasks today,

how about taking a light walk and enjoying nature? 🚶‍♀️🌿

2. Don't Stuff Yourself Till You Burst!

The wise teaching 'don't stuff yourself till you burst' stems from a heart of gratitude for the abundance of the harvest, not wasting food, and praying for future food security. It is also said to contain a warning that losing humility towards food could lead to scarcity next year. 🙅‍♀️

There was also a saying that if you ate greedily or wasted food, the grain store might become empty.

How about having a modest but thankful meal this evening? 🙏

For Us Living Today

What do you think? Isn't it amazing that September 8th held such deep meaning? In our busy daily lives, we often forget the flow of nature or the wisdom of our ancestors.

But for today, why not pause for a moment,

give thanks for abundance, practice moderation, and share peace with those around you?

I believe these ancient wisdoms will surely have a positive impact on our lives today. I hope your September 8th is a more meaningful and warm day! ✨ Thank you. 😊