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St. George's Day (April 23rd)

On this day honoring St. George, the guardian of animals, the livestock was herded out into the fields for the first time. The animals were smoked with burning plants which were believed to have protective properties. Shepherds and livestock were sprinkled with water to protect them from illnesses, evil spirits and village sorceresses. Rituals centering around eggs were performed to increase the productivity of livestock. It was forbidden to abuse animals on this day. Farmers tried not to work their livestock and to feed it better fodder on St. George's Day.


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Next: Sowing Previous: Easter

"LITHUANIAN ROOTS", Edited by Rytis Ambrazevicius

Copyright ©, 1996 Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre.