Kuzma's Day Kicks Off Gardening Season with Ancient Harvest Rituals
Today marks the start of the busy gardening season in folk tradition. Known as Kuzma’s day, it brings customs meant to ensure a good harvest and protect crops. Many believe the weather and actions taken now will shape the year ahead.
For generations, people began the day by stepping onto their plots with bread, salt, and an egg saved from Easter. These items symbolised fertility and protection. The first seeds were always sown before breakfast—and in complete silence—to encourage a bountiful yield.
Warm rain on May 1 was seen as a sign of a strong harvest later in the year. But a clear, sunny day warned of a hot, dry summer. Farmers avoided idleness, as wasting time was thought to bring hardship for the rest of the year. Certain tasks were considered essential. A thorough housecleaning was done to invite prosperity and keep illness away. Harming insects or spiders was forbidden, as it was believed to bring bad luck and poor crops. Instead, a decoction of wormwood, garlic, and onion skins was prepared to naturally ward off pests. Root crops like carrots, beets, and turnips were ideal for planting today. Rituals performed on this day aimed to bless the soil and shield the fields from damage.
The traditions of Kuzma’s day blend practical gardening with old beliefs about luck and fertility. By following these customs, communities hoped to secure a productive season. The day’s weather and actions were thought to set the tone for the months to come.
