COME, BETROTHED: HOW TO TELL FORTUNE CORRECTLY
12 Ways to Look into the Future and Make a Wish During Christmastide – January 7–17
Since the beginning of the tenth century, the Eastern Slavs have been holding special rites on Christmas Eve (the night of January 6-7) after the appearance of the first star. The following days were conventionally divided into two parts: "holy evenings" (the first half, used for cheerful predictions) and "scary evenings" (the second - for dangerous and fateful ones). Predictions made on the night of January 14 - Vasiliev evening - were considered especially prophetic.
A mirror (an occult object, a kind of portal for communication with spirits) and wax candles capable of “remembering” certain images were mandatory attributes of Christmas fortune-telling. But one of the best places for holding sessions is… a bathhouse! Places “at the junction” were also considered mystical in Rus' – thresholds, gates, corners in the house. The final touch is an ox hide, on which you need to sit for greater persuasiveness.
There were also strict rules, known to every young and curious girl. For example, during the session it was forbidden to cross your arms or legs - you will confuse fate. Rings, chains and belts were prohibited - they had to be removed, and hair - let down.
FORTUNE TELLING ON "HOLY EVENINGS"
1. Many women have many funny stories connected with this easy-to-perform Christmas fortune-telling for the betrothed. To find out the name of your future husband, you need to go outside after midnight and ask the first man you pass by what his name is. “According to legend,” this is the name that is predetermined for you by fate.
2. Another, no less curious way of fortune telling about the groom is to throw the left boot (new Manolo Blahnik, slippers or felt boots) over the threshold. Wherever it points, that's where he will come from.
3. A popular pastime for a group of girlfriends is to blindfold one of the "guinea pigs", spin her around and stop her in front of a table. On it, first lay out objects that characterize the future lover: bread (he will be rich), salt (a grumbler), a bottle (a drunkard), a mirror (a narcissist), a spoon (a cook) and an onion (you will shed many tears next to him). The talisman that the girl points to is the betrothed one. Why not diversify the old ritual with keys to an apartment or a photo of the inveterate bachelor Leonardo DiCaprio?
4. A fortune telling method for those who still doubt the future of their partner. (But not next to someone who shaves their head!) Borrow one hair from your partner and prepare one of your own. Pour water into a cup and add a pinch of salt and sugar, then drop in the "trophies." If both hairs are together in the morning, then you too will live happily ever after; if they are far apart, it is better to find another candidate for your hand and heart.
5. Cinderellas at heart can choose the rice method of fortune telling. Hold your hand, palm down, over a container with grains and make a wish; scoop up a solid handful, pour it onto a napkin, and now count it. An even number of grains of rice means your dream will come true, an odd number means, alas, not this time.
6. Pour water into a large deep plate and attach paper strips with desired events to its edges: from a wedding to career advancement. Attach a piece of candle (ideally, use a birthday candle for this purpose) to half a walnut shell - this will be the boat of your destiny. Place it in the middle of the "sea" and wait for which piece of paper (read - vital event) it will moor to.
FORTUNE TELLING ON "SCARY EVENINGS"
1. A method of fortune telling for "strong and independent women" who have a cat at home. Leave the pet in another room, make a wish and call it to you. If the cat crosses the threshold with its left paw - you can rub your palms contentedly, everything will come true, with the right - many obstacles will stand in your way.
2. At least once in her life, every woman has probably resorted to this method of fortune telling, and not only during the Christmas week. Take your favorite or any other book you come across, name the page and line number (top or bottom) at random - open it and read your prediction.
3. For the most fearless. The description of this fortune telling alone sends shivers down your spine: at midnight, the girl sits down in the dark between two mirrors, lights candles and begins to peer into the “gallery of reflections” to see the face of the groom.
Photo: getty
4. A more democratic and less frightening version of the previous fortune-telling. Before going to bed, say a simple spell: "Whoever dreams of me, let him appear in my dreams." Want to enhance the effect? Weave a conventional bridge from several thin twigs and put it under the pillow, but with others, saying: "Whoever is my betrothed, whoever is my disguised, he will take me across the river." Have pleasant, spicy dreams!
5. What kind of fortune telling would you have without cards? Before going to bed, put four kings under your pillow, and in the morning, without looking, pull out one of them. The spade suit means the groom will be old and jealous, hearts - young and rich, clubs - a military man or businessman, and diamonds - simply the most desirable.
6. An option for women with a rich imagination. Pour milk into a saucer and pour melted wax into it in one go, behind the threshold. Assess the result: a cross - financial problems; a flower - a beloved man (or, who knows, a wedding!); a person - a friend, and an animal - an enemy; stripes - travel and moving; a star - success at work.
Based on material from ELLE.RU
