Jurģi

After the abolition of serfdom in 19th century, Jurģi was developed in the Latvian culture on the day of termination of the contract.

The Christian Church celebrates this day in honor of Saint George, one of the first martyrs of Emperor Diocletian.

After the Crusades, a legend describing St. George battling on horseback with a dragon, a symbol of paganism and evil, was spreading in Europe.

When moving to the new house on Jurģi day, the straw from the old site is taken along and scattered them in the barn, so that the leaving person would not get cursed with any kind of spell.

People spitted on anthill, so that ants could shoot acid onto their face; believing it was a remedy from burn down and freckles.

If it rains on Jurģi, it meant a wet summer, and believed that forest meadows will not have medical herbs because of that.

On Jurģi morning, in front of the sun, people crossed over the field on foot to furrow, so that not a single burdock would grow up.

[1] Loaves of bread on Jurģi Day's meal had to be circular, believing it would help to grow horses and cows.

Sauerkraut is often made, which plays an important role in both promoting harmony, and to make strangers stay as long as possible.

On Jurģi day, when the old remnants were moving away, they cooked the cabbage, but when they arrived into a new home, they fried eggs, so that everyone could live in peace like chicks.