On January 29, Orthodox Christians commemorate the Apostle Peter, recalling his virtues. In the folk calendar, this holiday is called “Peter the Half-Food.” In ancient times, on Peter's Day, people checked feed supplies to understand whether it would last until spring or if they would need to seek additional resources.
On January 29, churches commemorate the Apostle Peter, who was one of the first disciples of Jesus Christ and later became the first Pope of Rome.
It is known that Apostle Peter, born Simon, was the son of a simple fisherman and was also engaged in fishing until he met God.
According to legends, a miracle helped him believe in the power of the Almighty — Christ healed the seriously ill mother of his wife. Later, Peter became one of the closest disciples of the Savior.
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Folk Calendar: Peter the Half-Food
The folk holiday with an unusual name explains its essence. At this time, our ancestors could accurately determine whether the stored feed for domestic animals would last until spring when they could be sent to pasture. Or they would have to look for a way to buy hay or grain.
Thus, Peter the Half-Food became the patron of Saint Apostle Peter and received another name — Peter's Day. In ancient times, it was said: “The livestock fasts if the owner has not stocked up on feed”; “From Peter the Half-Food — half of the winter feed.”
Peter the Half-Food: What to Do
In ancient times, Orthodox and folk holidays began with a prayer service in the church. On Peter's Day, peasants prayed to the holy apostle, asking for protection for their animals. Saint Peter helped not only livestock but also contributed to strengthening family ties and raising children.
On this day, not only were the feed supplies for domestic animals checked, but the supplies of rye flour were also inspected. People rejoiced if the remainder exceeded half of all winter supplies, which foretold a good harvest in the coming year.
Peter the Half-Food prefers that there is enough food. Therefore, in ancient times, something special was prepared on this day, such as baking sweet pies, making pancakes, rolls, or cookies.
Peter the Half-Food: Folk Signs
Our ancestors, who determined the weather by signs, knew: if a northern wind blows on Peter's Day, one should prepare for frosts. If Peter the Half-Food turns out to be frosty, summer will be hot.
If it snows on this day, summer promises to be good for fishing. If a blizzard is blowing, do not expect luck in summer; it will be gloomy and cold.
The weather was also predicted by chickens and moles. For example, if the birds stood on one leg on Peter's Day, their owners knew that frost would soon hit. If at this time moles came out of their burrows, it meant that May would be very cold.
Peter the Half-Food: What Not to Do
In ancient times, it was known that Peter the Half-Food is one of the coldest days of the year. Therefore, it is better to spend it at home with family and friends. Ignoring this advice may lead to unpleasant consequences. On Peter's Day, it is forbidden to:
Resolve conflicts, raise your voice, fight, even in jest. This can attract misfortune in the form of the evil eye or illness. The dark forces that roamed the day before, on the Day of Wizards, may enter the house and cause trouble.
Hurt domestic animals, which may fall ill, leaving the family without milk and meat.
Spy, eavesdrop, spread gossip — this may lead to hearing loss.
Talk about dreams seen on the night of January 29, especially if they are frightening.
To ensure that an unpleasant dream does not trouble and does not come true, in the morning, before getting out of bed, one should say: “Where the night goes, there goes the dream” and look out the window.
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