January 31 – Postpone housewarming

January 31 in the folk calendar is Afanasiev Day or Athanasius Lomonos. According to popular beliefs, celebrating a housewarming party on this day is a sign of failure and quarrels in the family, unless the person took the Brownie out of the old housing. Otherwise, the move and the festival itself were postponed to another day.

In order to understand whether Domovoy had moved to a new place of residence, in the evening they left treats for him in a secluded corner. If there was less milk, porridge or bread in the morning, then Brownie is in place.

If Domovoi was happy, then from other otherworldly forces, in particular from witches, that day they tried to protect housing as best as possible. It was believed that on Athanasian Day, witches gather for a sabbath and frolic so much that they lose their mind and memory, so they can fly into someone else’s house. So on this day, healers were called, who spoke from witches chimneys, doors and windows. And the peasants passed through the whole village and beat with whips and shafts at houses, barns, fences, woodpile and other places where witches could hide.

Only the owner of the house met guests that day – it was believed that this could protect from the evil eye.

Representatives of the male sex did not go on dates on Afanasiev Day – there was a belief that a witch could wrap them up and lure them to her. It was also believed that today it is not worth making a marriage proposal or playing a wedding – family life will not work out.

In order not to become a victim of attack or deceit, in the evening they did not meet strangers and did not go to unfamiliar places.

And in order to save and increase their funds, they followed such folk signs: if a poor person returns the borrowed money on this day, they cannot be taken; after sunset, you can not touch a trifle; and the one who rendered the service must be thanked and given at least a small gift. It was believed that otherwise you can lose everything you have.

In addition, according to signs, on this day you can not plan and start serious business, especially related to finances, as well as file lawsuits – things will not end in your favor.

There were also such folk signs: to treat teeth on Afanasyev’s day – to complications; cook in a bad mood – for the illness of family members who will eat this food; to finish any drink after another person – to adopt his troubles and problems.

Natural signs on January 31 are as follows:

– if a blizzard sweeps, spring will come late;

– if the weather is clear – spring will be early;

– if a thaw has come – by a rainy summer;

– if the sky is clear at sunset – to long frosts.

Dreams that are dreamed on the night of February 1 are prophetic and can be fulfilled the very next day. Moreover, such dreams usually portend good events.

Alena Bodrienko.

Photo by Vladimir Novikov / press service of the mayor and government of Moscow