A special holiday on October 3 is Astafiy Vetryak: history, traditions, omens
Every year on October 3, Orthodox believers remember the Great Martyr Eustace, who lived in Rome in the first century. In the national calendar, this date is known as Astafiy the Windmill. It is believed that on this day the wind not only changes direction, but also carries away old troubles, opening the way for change. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Friday. Read about its history, folk traditions, prohibitions and omens in the Izvestia article.
What is the church holiday on October 3rd?
The Great Martyr Eustace lived in Rome in the 1st century. He was a pagan, named Placida, and was considered one of the most famous military leaders of his era. He served under the emperors Titus and Trajan and became famous not only for his valor, but also for his mercy — he helped the needy and the suffering. According to legend, the Lord did not leave the virtuous warrior in the darkness of idolatry.
Once, while hunting, while chasing a deer, Plakida saw a shining cross with the crucified Son of God between the animal's horns and heard a voice: "I am Jesus, who came to save people." In response, the pagan recognized Him as the Lord. When he returned home, he told his wife about this miracle, who, as it turned out, had had a prophetic dream the day before that their family would turn to Christ. The couple were baptized together with their sons, receiving new names — Eustathius, Theopistia, Agapius and Theopistus.
However, misfortunes soon befell the family. The robbers robbed Evstafy and took away his wife, then the predatory animals dragged off the sons. Left with nothing, he humbly accepted God's will and spent the next few years in poverty and obscurity, earning his living by hard work.
Meanwhile, the children miraculously survived, and the abductor of his wife died of illness. When Rome needed an experienced commander again, Emperor Trajan ordered Eustace to be found. He was found and returned to service. He did not suspect that his own sons were already serving in his army, and his wife was among those accompanying him. A miraculous family reunion took place during the campaign, becoming a symbol of Divine mercy and reward for perseverance.
After the victorious return of the military commander to Rome, Emperor Hadrian, who succeeded Trajan, demanded that Eustathius pay homage to the pagan gods. But he firmly professed the Christian faith, which provoked the anger of the ruler.
Eustace, Theopistia and their sons were put on trial and tortured, but the animals they were thrown to did not touch the martyrs. The whole family was sentenced to death and imprisoned in a red-hot copper bull. However, the bodies of the saints remained unharmed, and their faces shone with unearthly beauty. Those who saw this miracle believed in Christ.
Traditions of the national holiday Astafiy Vetryak, celebrated on October 3
The people called the holiday Astafy Windmill, Astafy's winds are no coincidence. The autumn wind was getting especially strong at this time. "Everyone blows a windmill," the peasants said.
In the villages, the date symbolized the transition to a "winter" lifestyle. The men were putting manure in the ground for a rich harvest next year. The women aired their clothes and bedding — it was believed that the wind blows out not only dust, but also troubles.
In the houses on Astafia Windmill, windows and mirrors were washed with the addition of holy water, and homes were fumigated with juniper, wormwood, or St. John's wort. And in the evening, they always lit a candle to protect them from evil spirits.
Windmills began to work actively on Astafia — the grinding of grain of the new harvest began, so October 3 was also considered a millers' holiday in the villages. People respected the elements that set the millstones in motion.
What not to do on the Astafiy Vetryak holiday on October 3rd
In Russia, the holiday celebrated on October 3 was associated with many prohibitions, the violation of which, according to beliefs, could lead to trouble. The wind on Astafia was associated not only with the weather, but also with magical power. It was believed that he could take with him not only fallen leaves, but also the beauty of young women. Therefore, they were not recommended to leave the house on the holiday itself. And the day before, a special protective ceremony was performed — an aspen rod was stuck near the threshold.
What else you can't do on October 3rd:
- Recalculating small amounts of money can "scare away" large bills and incur losses.;
- Buy new linens, dishes, or household items — they won't last long.;
- returning kitchen utensils, dishes or bags empty leads to lack of money, emptying the house.;
- shaking water off your hands after washing can make you sick.;
- Making and accepting gifts led to a quarrel, and only money was allowed to be given on that day.
Folk signs for October 3rd
The signs associated with Astafy the Windmill were an integral part of peasant life and helped the ancestors to make forecasts for the winter.:
- if the maple and birch leaves fall unevenly, the winter will be harsh.;
- The morning turned out to be damp and foggy — autumn promises to be warm, and the snow will not fall for a long time.;
- the weather is dry — a snowy winter is unlikely;
- the cones on the fir trees grow low — frosts will strike early, high — the real cold will come closer to spring.
The peasants also determined the future weather by the direction of the wind. The northern one foreshadowed the imminent frosts, the southern one — the preservation of warmth, the western one signaled the approaching rains, and the eastern one promised clear and calm days.
Earlier, Izvestia told when and how a special national holiday is celebrated in Russia — the Day of Faith, Hope, and Love.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
