Maaritsipäev

Maaritsipäev is an Estonian folk holiday traditionally celebrated on July 22nd. It is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, a Christian saint whose feast day falls on this date. Historically, Maaritsipäev was associated with the end of haymaking and the beginning of harvesting, marking a significant transition in the agricultural calendar. It was a time for communal gatherings and celebrations after the arduous work of haymaking. Folklore surrounding Maaritsipäev often involves beliefs about the weather and the potential for rain. Some traditions suggest that if it rained on Maaritsipäev, it would rain for the next seven days. The day was also sometimes linked to the abundance of crops and the hope for a good harvest. While not as widely observed today as in previous centuries, elements of Maaritsipäev are still remembered and occasionally incorporated into modern Estonian summer celebrations.