On October 11, Orthodox Christians remember St. Hariton the Confessor — in the early 4th century, he suffered torments for his faith.
After the persecution of Christians ceased, Hariton was freed. He dedicated the remainder of his life to service, founding three monasteries in Palestine — Jericho, Sukiyah, and Faran. He spent his last years in a cave near the Sukiyah monastery.
In folk belief, Hariton Day was considered dangerous: "Hariton – a fall in the house." To avoid spoilage and the evil eye that could be cast on this day, people tried to stay home and engage in household chores. Sweeping out the dirt from the house was forbidden — they feared that it could bring misfortune to the entire household.
The groom and bride would bring pies and honey to the local witch before their wedding so that she would not spoil their upcoming celebration. By this day, all fieldwork was usually completed — girls would gather in the evenings with sewing and yarn, telling stories, singing songs, and dancing. Often, young men would also attend such gatherings. Meetings often ended with autumn weddings.
Interestingly, the English believed that after October 11, one should not pick blackberries. The legend stated that on this day, the devil, cast out from heaven, fell to earth right into a blackberry bush and cursed it.
Weather Signs
Rabbits still have not turned white — a sign of a late winter. Leaves fall upside down — a sign of a good harvest next year. Trees bloom a second time — a sign of a long and warm autumn. Birds fly low to the ground — a sign of an early and cold winter. A rainbow circle around the moon — a sign of bad weather and winds. Chickens fluff up and raise their feathers — it will get colder. An evening sunset of red color — a sign of windy weather. Willow covered with frost — a sign of a long winter.
