Anyone coming on visit today must be fed

The Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar celebrate today Saint Basil. On January 14, it is also observed New Year according to the old calendar. By tradition, the people today visit their relatives, friends and neighbors, singing a song called “Sorcova” and wishing them wealth and prosperity in the new year. Folklorist Varvara Buzila said that January 14 for villagers means the beginning of preparations for the new agricultural year. This day they must manage to do everything they planned so that they are as assiduous throughout the year, Info-Prim Neo reports. Earlier, the New Year was marked at the start of March, when the agricultural season opened. On January 14, as on Christmas, the children visit their parents and grandparents so as to strengthen and renew the relations. They say that if a family is visited first by a boy, the year will be favorable for them. Anyone coming on visit today must be fed so that the new year be fruitful,” said Varvara Buzila. The holiday meal is special. The women are to prepare 12 types of food from crops grown near the house. Several blades of wheat or barley are put under the tablecloth so as to be prosperous the coming year. The folklorist said that this day the people move all the things in the house and the yard so as things develop and change during the whole year. The New Year is celebrated according to the old calendar in Armenia, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Serbia and Montenegro, and in some districts of Switzerland.