Jan 22

St. Dominique's Day

In Macedonia, this is the day when midwives are honored. The women of child-bearing age bring their local midwife food, wine, and gifts. The midwife sits on a makeshift throne while the visiting woman must kiss the schema a phallic-shaped object usually made from a large leek or sausage. A banquet follows, where the women get drunk and sing saucy songs and tell naughty jokes. Most men try to spend the day elsewhere.

St. Vincent's Day

Sao Vicente is the patron saint of Lisbon, Portugal. He was murdered by Saracens in 1173. According to legend, the boat carrying the saint's coffin was guided by two ravens, an event immortalized on Lisbon's coat of arms.

There are a number of folk traditions associated with this day in the rural areas. Farmers believe that by carrying a torch to the top of a high hill, they can predict what the coming harvest will be like. If the wind extinguishes the flame, the crops will be abundant; if it continues to burn, a poor growing season lies ahead.