The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

FEAST OF ST. GEORGE-APRIL 23 BYZANTINE RITE

THE USUAL PICTURE OF ST. GEORGE HAS HIM PICTURED ON A
HORSE, WITH A SPEAR IN HIS HAND. HE IS KILLING A DRAGON
WHICH IS SYMBOLIC OF PAGANISM. THE DEW OF THE FEAST DAY
IS CONSIDERED MIRACULOUS AND IF GATHERED BEFORE SUNRISE,
IT SHOULD HEAL ANY DISEASE OF THE EYES. ANOTHER COMMON
EVENT FOR THE DAY IS A PROCESSION AROUND THE FIELD WITH
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. THE PRAYERS ARE PETITIONS FOR A GOOD
HARVEST. ALSO ON THIS DAY, YOUNG GIRLS TRY TO PREDICT THEIR
MARRIAGE DATE. THEY ASK THE CUCKOO HOW LONG BEFORE THEY WILL
MARRY. IF THE CUCKOO STOPS COOING AT THE END OF THE QUESTION
SHE WILL MARRY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF IT BEGINS
COOING, THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT SINGS WILL BE THE NUMBER OF
YEARS BEFORE HER MARRIAGE.

Submitter comment: SOME OF THESE CUSTOMS ARE BEGINNING TO DIMINISH IN THE
UNITED STATES.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER

Keyword(s): ANIMALS

Subject headings:

Observation
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 23
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour
BELIEF -- Prayer
BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs
BELIEF -- Remedy
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 00001950S