The Witches' Days - St. Katarina

It was in the Night when the witches made their mischief

Traditionally in Slovakia, the first of the witches' days falls on the 25th of November, St. Katarina's Day. People believed that from then up until the 21st of December, evil powers in the form of demons and witches ruled the Earth (hence the name "The Witches' Days").

The idea of increasing activity of these unfavorable powers was connected to the fact that the days were getting shorter and the nights longer at this time of the year. So it was believed that the evil powers gained the upper hand over the good, and the harmful demons over the life giving sun.

During these days, people tried to face up to the evil powers by using various means of protection and magical ways. They also eagerly awaited the winter solstice (22nd of December), where the sun slowly began to gain its powers back, since the day before was in fact the shortest day of the year.

The winter solstice was celebrated with loud parties, dances and games.

St. Katarina (cont...) >>

- Introduction

- Traditional Calendar

- Traditional Food

- Traditional Recipes

- Traditional Crafts

- Folk Music & Dance

- Folkgroup ORAVA

- Folkgroup Kubincan