Celebration today for the Immaculate Conception Feast Day
Celebrate the Unknown: The Mysterious Folk Holiday of Eremei Zapryazhalkin
Beware, this holiday might just be a local legend, as there's no record of a widely recognized folk holiday named "Eremei Zapryazhalkin" in the historical annals of ancient Rus'. However, the spirit of ancient Rus' was filled with vibrant traditions and folklore, many of which were intrinsically linked to agricultural cycles, saints, or pagan rituals.
A Closer Look at Eremei (Jeremiah)
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, we know Eremei (Jeremiah) as a prophet, but he wasn't celebrated as a holiday figure in ancient Rus'. Yet, various saints and prophets were revered and celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar. So, it's possible that Eremei Zapryazhalkin could be a localized figure or celebration that hasn't permeated the wider cultural consciousness.
The Roots of Ancient Rus' Celebrations
Many folk holidays in ancient Rus' were intimately tied to the agricultural calendar. One such example is Maslenitsa, celebrated before Lent, which marked the official farewell to winter. Another was Kupala Night, held in midsummer, symbolizing the summer solstice.
The Influence of Pagan Roots
Many Christian holidays in Slavic cultures, including ancient Rus', have their roots in earlier pagan traditions. For instance, Christmas (Yule), with its evergreen trees and dawn mass services closely resembles its pagan progenitor, and Easter (Pascha) also bears the imprints of previous celebrations.
What to Expect on May 14
The mystery of Eremei Zapryazhalkin persists, but according to local tales, on May 14, people gaze at the moon to determine if it's the right time for plowing and sowing on the land. If the moon is waxing, fieldwork begins; if it's waning, the work may not be successful. A full moon indicates it's time to sow wheat and rye, while oats are sown two days before or after Eremei Zapryazhalkin.
This day is also said to be the third and final day of spring's welcoming, as starlings, brewers of warm days, return. Bird enthusiasts prepare treats for them, offering breadcrumbs and hemp seeds.
The weather on May 14 is said to predict the overall harvest season. A clear sunrise indicates a pleasant summer, while a cloudy and cold day foreshadows a frosty winter. Evening dew ensures good weather the next day, while the colors of pine cones and spruce cones play a part in determining the perfect time for sowing barley.
Lastly, borrowing grain is considered ill-omened, as it might lead to a meager harvest.
While the existence of "Eremei Zapryazhalkin" remains questionable, exploring local legends and customs is an intriguing way to delve deeper into the history and culture of ancient Rus'.
In the rich tapestry of ancient Rus' traditions, it's plausible to imagine a localized celebration named Eremei Zapryazhalkin rooted in home-and-garden matters, considering many folk holidays were connected to agricultural cycles. The lifestyle practices associated with Eremei Zapryazhalkin, such as determining the right time for plowing and sowing crops based on the moon's phases and weather predictions, could be evidence of this hypothesis.
