Nut Feast 2024: traditions, prohibitions and folk signs of the holiday

According to glavcom.ua: Nut Feast or Feast on the cloth - the third and final holiday among the three summer Feasts, which has deep roots in Christian culture. The Feast on the cloth is associated with the Day of Remembrance of the Unmade Image of the Savior, but it is also known by other names: Bread Feast, Cloth Feast, Small Feast, Cold Feast, or simply the Unmade Feast.

The holiday is celebrated in mid-August, when the heat gradually gives way to cool mornings and evenings, signaling the approach of autumn. It is also marked by the tradition of baking bread from the new harvest grain, symbolizing the beginning of autumn's abundance.

History of the holiday

Nut Feast commemorates the transfer of the Unmade Image of Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople in 944. This image was formed miraculously when Jesus pressed the cloth to his face, and his features were reflected on the fabric, giving the celebration its other name - the Unmade Feast or the Feast on the cloth.

What is sanctified on Nut Feast

On August 16, during Nut Feast, nuts and bread from the new harvest are traditionally sanctified. Fruits, water, and honey are also brought to the church. After this, festive gatherings with walnut tincture, bread, and fruit pies are arranged.

Third Feast: ancient traditions

In villages during Nut Feast, the oldest woman would be chosen to gather nuts as an example for other residents. On this day, they also engaged in baking bread, preparing supplies for winter, and gathering nuts. A tincture made of nuts was used for treating colds and joint pain.

Folk signs:

• Many nuts on the Feast - much bread for the year.
• The crane flies away by the Third Feast - it will be frosty on the Protection Day.
• Nut Feast - the sun has gone into autumn.
• Nut Feast - it is farewell to summer and preparation for the cold.

What is prohibited on Nut Feast

During the celebration of Nut Feast, it is important to observe certain prohibitions: do not quarrel, do not wish evil, do not refuse help, and do not go into the forest without a talisman.

Nut Feast is an ancient Ukrainian holiday associated with the harvest and the beginning of autumn work. This day celebrates the arrival of autumn, gathers nuts, and marks the new harvest. Additionally, ancient rituals and signs are kept on Nut Feast that determine the weather and harvest for the coming days. This holiday is full of traditions and symbolism that are passed down from generation to generation.