Old style date: June 28. On the eve of St. Peter’s Day, young people in Russia stayed up late — having fun almost until morning. They danced, sang songs, and played games. It was said that whoever finds the blooming plant “Peter’s Cross” and pulls it out with its root will receive incredible luck. It was believed that the root could ward off any misfortune and lead to a treasure. This day was also called Krapivnoe Zagovenie. It was believed that after this date, stinging nettle loses its healing properties. Therefore, there was a rush to cook nettle soup — the last of the year. Peasants valued nettles for their usefulness. They made salads, soups, pie fillings, and also pickled and fermented them. Decoctions and infusions made from young nettle leaves were believed to restore strength and stop internal bleeding. Girls used this plant for cosmetic purposes — it was believed that nettle broth strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Nettles were also used in everyday life. They were used to obtain fiber that could compete with flax and cotton. “Nettle” fabric was used to sew strong sails, bags, sieves, and sometimes clothing. Thus, Andersen’s famous fairy tale in which a girl knitted shirts for her brothers from nettles is based on facts. In Russia, nettles were also attributed mystical properties. For example, it was considered a good charm against the evil eye. To do this, nettle seeds needed to be burned on coals, and the resulting smoke spread throughout the house. Also, to protect against evil spirits, nettles were hung on doors and windows. On the eve of St. Peter’s Day, leaves began to fall from trees. People said: “A leaf fell, August will come — two will fall,” and they began to expect autumn. In some regions, gardeners already began digging the first potatoes. Signs were noted: if the cuckoo stopped cuckooing at this time, it meant that winter would come early. Names celebrated on this day: Vasily, Herman, Gregory, Ivan, Joseph, Xenophon, Paul, Sergey.