January 10 is marked in the folk calendar as the Day of Household Members, also known as the Christmas Meat-Eater. In the past, on this day, people worked from morning till evening and gathered at a common table in the evening. This day was considered important, and our ancestors sincerely wished each other happiness, trying to attract it into their homes with words.
“Seek new happiness, but do not lose the old!”, “Happiness is not a bird — it will not come by itself”, “He who complains about life does not know happiness”, “He whom happiness serves has no regrets” — so they said in ancient times. Our ancestors understood that happiness is a fragile concept. If luck has come, it must be cherished. If you let it go, you will regret it.
Folk Calendar: Day of Household Members
On January 10, our ancestors worked from morning till evening. After Christmas, there was always much to do at home. Understanding that Baptism and many other holidays were ahead, they tried to put things in order in their households.
The Day of Household Members, which was also called the Christmas Meat-Eater, was originally not a holiday. However, over time, it began to be talked about and then celebrated. This event developed its own traditions and took a small niche among Christmas dates.
From the Christmas Meat-Eater, our ancestors returned to their regular diet. Meat was allowed until Great Lent, so many delicious dishes appeared on the tables. Nevertheless, the weekly fast on Wednesdays and Fridays was not canceled. There was a saying: “Meat for the meat-eater, but fasting has its turn.”
To ensure peace and tranquility in families, everyone added Thursday salt to all dishes, which was prepared on Clean Thursday.
Considering that pigs were slaughtered in the first days of January, hams, sausages, and jellied meats appeared on the tables. However, peasants did not allow themselves excessive indulgences.
The majority of meat products were intended for sale. During this time, fairs were held in cities and villages, where some sold and others bought food for their families.
After the birth of Christ, the wedding season began. People celebrated joyfully, wishing happiness to the newlyweds and their relatives, who laid generous tables. The Christmas Meat-Eater lasted until Maslenitsa, which provided enough time for joyful rituals and feasts.
Day of Household Members: What Can Be Done
After Christmas, the Holy Days began. Until Baptism, celebrated on January 19, young people sang carols, lit bonfires in the evenings, sang, and danced.
According to tradition, on the eve of the Day of Household Members, it was customary to go to the Red Hill — they were located near every village, drive stakes into the frozen ground that had been prepared in advance, and make a wish.
Families came to the Red Hill, knowing that everything they wished for on this day would surely come true. Family wishes are a law.
Moreover, the Day of Household Members is perfect for getting married. In ancient times, it was believed that a marriage formed on January 10 (December 28 in the old style) would be strong and reliable.
Day of Household Members: Folk Omens
Based on experience, our ancestors knew: if there is hoarfrost on the haystacks on the Day of Household Members, the summer will be rainy. If the horses are restless in the barn — frost is not far off. If there is no wind outside, and the trees are covered with snow — the summer will be bountiful.
If dogs leave their kennels and lie in the snow — it is a sign of a snowstorm. If cats sleep all day in the corners — it indicates warming.
Day of Household Members: What Not to Do
The Day of Household Members has its own prohibitions and restrictions. For example, on this day, one should not remain alone, as this feeling may linger for a whole year. On the Day of Household Members, it is forbidden to:
Borrow money or food — this may scare away prosperity, and until the next Meat-Eater, one will have to live in debt, feeling a lack of food.
After a meal, sweep crumbs off the table. To avoid losing luck, they should be given to birds or pets.
Engage in handicrafts, especially sewing buttons. This may lead to entanglement in problems that will be difficult to solve.
Refuse requests from those in need. This may deprive you and your family of protection from evil forces.
Sweep the floors. There is a fear that along with the garbage, financial well-being will leave the house.
The elders said: on the Day of Household Members, one should watch the door, trying to close it quickly when someone enters the room. At this time, there are many evil spirits around, waiting for the moment to enter the dwelling.
There was another omen that they tried not to forget. After visiting, they would ask the hosts to go out together into the street. This helped avoid the feeling of loneliness that could linger.
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