According to the folk calendar on September 21, celebrated the Harvest Festival or the Second Autumn. It coincided with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since ancient times, she is considered to be the intercessor of all women and mothers, and therefore the feast is considered feminine. There are certain signs for girls associated with the Orthodox holiday on September 21.
People's signs on September 21
Waking up even before sunrise, it was necessary for the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity to wash to prolong their youth and beauty, and unmarried girls thus attracted the groom to the house. After taking oatmeal bread and jelly with them, they went to a pond where they sang songs and thanked the Mother of God for the harvested crop, and the bread was broken into pieces and fed to cattle. Then, according to the signs for the church holiday on September 21, it was necessary to put on their best clothes and go to the service in the temple. It was believed that on this day the Virgin Mary hears all requests and prayers addressed to her and will certainly help, especially in the health of children and family well-being.
Often a piece of paper was tied to a candle and placed at the icon of the Virgin Mary. If she burned completely, then it was believed that the Mother of God heard a converted prayer. Those who very much wanted to become a mother, but could not conceive a child, should also order a moleben, and after the service to give alms to beggars. On the signs for girls who recently became wives, the day of September 21 was the day of reception of relatives. They came to see how young people got along and give advice, if needed.
In the evening, newlyweds in their house were met by their parents. In this case, the wife from the evil eye tied a string on her sleeve with embroidered letters "R" and "B". Unfastened or lost tape "spoke" about the fact that there are envious people in the house. From damage and evil eye this day they tried to protect children. They were removed from old clothes and shoes and burned, and after the toddler crossed the threshold of the house, she was poured from head to foot with water.