Russian Cultural Calendar: October 26
Exploring Traditions, Customs, and Beliefs
Customs:
October 26th in Russian culture signifies the arrival of Eulampia Winter Festival.
This festival traditionally marks the approaching winter season and is believed to bring the first snow.
The old Slavic name of the festival is "Zimnitsy," which means "winter."
Traditions:
On this day, Russians light bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil and to ward off evil spirits.
They also gather around the bonfire to sing songs, dance, and tell stories.
Another tradition is to make a "snow maiden" out of snow and decorate her with ribbons and flowers.
Beliefs:
It is believed that on this day, the spirits of the dead return to Earth.
To appease these spirits, people leave food and drink out for them.
It is also believed that on this day, it is important to be kind to others and to help those in need.
Things to Avoid
On this day, it is considered bad luck to:
- Gossip or speak ill of others
- Start a new project
- Borrow money or lend money
It is also considered important to avoid doing any kind of work on this day, as it is believed that it will bring bad luck.
Final Thoughts
October 26th is a day of rich tradition and symbolism in Russian culture.
By understanding the customs, traditions, and beliefs associated with this day, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of Russia.
