December 9 - Yuryev Day, or Egoriy the Autumnal: folk customs and traditions

On December 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Great Martyr George the Victorious, one of the most revered saints in Russia. In the folk calendar, this day is known as Yuryev Day, or Egoriy the Autumnal. In 2024 the celebration falls on Monday. About what customs and traditions associated with this folk-Christian holiday, read in the material "Izvestia".

History of St. George's Day (Egoriy Autumnal), celebrated on December 9

In the old days, St. George was often called Yuri or Egoriy, as these names were more common and familiar to ordinary people. They also gave the name to the holiday, which has many variations depending on the region: Yuri Cold, Yuri Winter, Autumn Yuri's Day, Egoriev Day and others.

However, all of them are associated with the veneration of the holy martyr George the Victorious. In the church calendar, several dates a year are dedicated to him.

One of the days of memory falls in December and is established in honor of the consecration in the XI century of St. George's temple in Kiev, which was built by Yaroslav the Wise, who considered the saint his heavenly patron.

Previously, the holiday was celebrated in the fall - November 26, Old Style - due to which the word "autumnal" is present in the name of the celebration. After the transition to the Julian calendar, its date shifted to December 9.

Traditions of celebrating Egoriy Autumnal in Russia

By custom, in the morning, peasants went to church to pray to St. George. Since he was considered the patron saint of agriculture and animals, on St. George's Day peasants tried to please the heavenly intercessor by making baked goods in the shape of horses and other animals.

In addition, it was customary to say special incantations to protect livestock from wolves, which with the onset of cold weather in packs prowled near villages in search of prey. The cattle were locked tightly in the stable and tried not to go far from home.

Also on this day they observed the weather. According to folk omens, frost on Egoriy foreshadowed that the whole winter would be cold, and morning frost served as a harbinger of a rich harvest next year.

Since 1497 Yuri's Day became the only time of the year when peasants could go to another master. Usually by the holiday the harvest was over, and the owners paid off the hired laborers. But often peasants were paid less or left without money at all. Then the word "cheat" appeared in popular usage, which means "to cheat", "to deceive".

The transition of peasants to Yuryev Day was prohibited at the end of the XVI century by the decree of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich. In fact, the document officially consolidated serfdom, which existed in the Russian Empire until 1861. This deprived peasants of the opportunity to change the master and improve their lives. Hence the famous expression: "Here, grandmother, and Yuryev Day!"

Christmas Lent - 2024: when it begins, traditions and prohibitions

In 2024, Lent will begin on November 28 and run through January 6

What you can and can not do on St. George's Day on December 9

According to folk beliefs, on Egoriy, you can not be lazy and shirk from work, otherwise then you will have to work in the sweat of your brow. Even by the holiday should give away all debts, so as not to spend the year in poverty. It is not recommended to lend money, as it is unlikely to be returned.

Other prohibitions include long-distance travel. It is believed that on the road can happen various troubles. Also, you can not put on dirty or worn clothes. This is a bad omen, attracting diseases.

Since the Christmas fast continues on St. George's Day, believers should observe restrictions in food. Meat, eggs and dairy products should not be eaten. But on certain days a little fish and wine are allowed.

Earlier in December in Russia celebrated Mitrofanov Day. "Izvestia" told about the traditions of this holiday.