Pärtel Day in Estonia (Partlipaev)

Every year on August 24, Estonia solemnly celebrates Pärtel Day, thus welcoming the first day of autumn This folk holiday dates back to the 18th century and is still dearly loved by Estonians, who believe that on this day Pärtel “throws a cold stone into the water,” causing the reservoirs to become cold and it is impossible to swim in them until summer arrives Like many Estonian folk holidays, Pärtel Day is associated with weather events and has many customs and signs For example, from ancient times, Estonians determined the weather for the entire coming autumn based on the weather on this day Interestingly, this holiday was previously called the Mother of Rye or the Mother of Sowing Previously, in order not to bring disaster to your harvest, it was strictly forbidden to sow on this day, and the rye harvest was also completed by August 24th But on Pärtel Day, sheep are sheared to this day It is believed that a sheep sheared on this day will certainly produce long and beautiful wool by next year Even on the first day of autumn, hops are collected, which are called “Pyartelevsky” and are especially valued by brewers The fact is that with the onset of cold weather, the hops are filled with juices and acquire a special bitterness Beer brewed on this day is served on Christmas and New Year's Eve Also, with the arrival of autumn, they begin harvesting potatoes and cabbage, pumping out honey and continuing to harvest spring crops On Pärtel Day, large fair days with folk festivals, contests and competitions are held in Estonia A rich harvest is displayed on the shelves, and tastings of honey, cheese and beer drinks are held Local residents, to the accompaniment of a folk orchestra, organize colorful processions through the streets in national costumes, perform folk dances and songs, which attract a large number of tourists Since the time of autumn frosts begins in Estonia on August 24, this day also solemnly marks the closing of the beach season