Edited by ARR S.A. | Silesia
St Andrew's Eve
Country: Poland
Region: Silesia
Type of inspiration: Cultural customs
Inspiracja
Inherent in every culture is the great role of rituals and customs that support human pursuit of happiness, protect against danger, or highlight important events in family and religious life. Full of symbolism, they become an integral part of individual and social human functioning, reflecting customary and technological changes.
The time of the winter solstice and the Advent period abounded in both religious and magical customs and practices. Among the days with a particular intensity of divination foretelling future fates, one should mention the commemoration of St Andrew (30 November). On the eve of this day, gatherings were held to foretell the future. The fortune-telling was mainly of a love and matrimonial nature, so it was mainly attended by boys and girls who were getting married. One of the most popular practices was pouring wax into a bowl of water through a keyhole, and trying to decipher what fate would bring from the solid figures. Another equally common fortune-telling activity was arranging shoes in the direction of the door. The first one on the doorstep guaranteed its owner an early marriage. It was also common practice to count the number of fence pegs or firewood logs with arms around them. An even number of logs heralded marriage.
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