Tatiana's Day: The Taboo Against Sadness and Crying

On January 25, the Orthodox Church honors the holy martyr Tatiana of Rome, who was tortured for her faith under Emperor Alexander in the 3rd century. In Rus, this day also marked another, more ancient holiday — Babiy Kut.

Our ancestors called kut the woman«s corner — a place by the stove where the housewife spent much time because household utensils were kept there.

This part of the house was also called the «sunny spot» because on Tatiana«s Day, the »bolshukha« (the senior housewife in the family) baked a loaf symbolizing the Sun. The woman took the loaf out of the oven and divided the cooled bread among family members. Everyone had to get at least a piece.

Additionally, on this day, people went to the river for water and beat the dust out of rugs. Folk sayings went: «Tatiana bakes the loaf, beats the rugs, and leads the round dance.»

On Babiy Kut, all girls who wanted to get married made a broom and tried to leave it in the house of their desired groom. It was important to do this in such a way that his mother wouldn«t find it. Experienced mothers of families themselves knew about this custom and didn»t let just any girl across the threshold.

In general, on this day, women dressed up and wore their best jewelry. In this attire, they spent time in the company of friends and relatives. However, staying alone today was a bad omen — it could bring great losses upon oneself.

On Tatiana«s Day, one also shouldn»t be sad and cry — to avoid bringing even more serious troubles upon oneself. Moreover, people tried not to boast about their successes and achievements, so as not to scare away luck or jinx themselves.