January 7 – do seven good deeds

January 7 – Christmas, and also the beginning of Christmas time, which will last until January 17.

There is a belief that one who does seven good deeds at Christmas will be happy all year. So, for example, on this day, alms are given seven times, usually the same amount each time, or they give seven useful gifts, preferably handmade. A good gift in the old days was a variety of goodies – sausage, pickles, smoked meats, sweets and so on.

It was supposed to dress in everything clean and smart, preferably new. It was believed that this would bring prosperity in all spheres of life. And lit candles in the house will help keep it warm and cozy.

Celebrated Christmas as a rule in the family circle. A rich table was set. Moreover, since the fast was over, they tried to prepare more delicious fast meals for this day – from meat, poultry, with the addition of eggs, butter, dairy products. The main dish on the Christmas table was usually a roasted pig or other dishes with pork.

Just like on Christmas Eve, all the dishes on the festive table had to be at least tasted. And it is desirable to eat everything. What was left on the plates could not be thrown away – the remaining food was given to pets or homeless animals.

By the way, there was such a sign: if you take good care of any animals and birds today, this will help to gain prosperity and maintain well-being in the family.

It is also believed that any thing bought today will last a long time.

They tried to avoid any work, especially difficult, on this day – otherwise the whole year will have to work hard and hard. The sign also applied to homework. Therefore, cleaning, washing, mopping and other chores were postponed for another time.

From Christmas to the Old New Year it was impossible to sweep dirty linen from the hut. Our ancestors burned all the garbage collected at this time, especially on Christmas Day. Now few people have such an opportunity, and the garbage today is not the same as before. So people who follow this sign do not take out the garbage on January 7, and until January 14 they throw out only what does not burn. Accordingly, they try to litter less.

Also on this day you can’t swear and quarrel, gossip and plot evil – you’ll bring trouble on yourself; you can’t drink plain water – our ancestors believed that at Christmas it would not be beneficial; you can not pick up the money found – to poverty.

Folk signs on January 7 are as follows:

– if the bird sat on the window – to the good news;

– if it snows – the year promises to be prosperous;

– if a thaw has come – spring will be early;

– if frost hits, it will be cold at Epiphany (January 19).

– if the cat claws the walls – the weather will soon deteriorate, if he sleeps, curled up in a ball – to frost.

On the night of January 8, you can see a dream that will tell you what your enemies are plotting against you and how you can resist their intrigues.

Alena Bodrienko.

Photo by Denis Grishkin / Moskva Agency