Pick a cherry branch: what to do on St. Catherine's Day.
The Day of Saint Catherine, celebrated on November 24 according to the New Julian calendar, is considered an important holiday not only for those bearing the name but also for all women, reports UNIAN.
What to Do on Saint Catherine's Day
Saint Catherine of Alexandria is regarded as the patroness of marriage, family happiness, childbirth, and motherhood. On this day, women turn to her with prayers.
Unmarried girls also await this day, as it is a time for divination about their future partners. In ancient times, women would gather on Catherine’s day to share secrets and prepare fasting dishes.
One of the most popular traditions of the holiday involves divination for a future spouse.
The most popular divination on this day involves cherry branches. An unmarried girl must pick a cherry branch in the morning and place it in a container of water. If flowers appear on the branch before Christmas, the marriage will be very happy.
Another method of divination involves placing a piece of bread under the pillow with the words: “My destined one, come quickly, I will feed you.” It is believed that the girl will then dream of her future spouse.
Another ritual is washing with water. In the morning, one should fill a basin or large bowl with water and wash their face. If the ripples on the water disappear quickly, it means the girl will soon meet her destined one.