The old Hungarian name is the Month of Kisasszony (Little Miss). This period in the peasant world is the month of threshing grain. Farmers on Rye Island took advantage of the good weather, trying to do this work before the feast of St. Stephen, by August 20th. Folk observations predicted rain and bad weather for the last days of August.
August 10 is Lőrinc (St. Lawrence Martyr)’s Day in the Church. There are many observations associated with his feast. In Rye Island, it is still believed that the melon is no longer good after this day, because Lőrinc peed into it. It is not advisable to take a bath after Lawrence Day either, as he also pees into the waters, thus cooling them to low temperatures. It is also significant as a weather forecast heritage: rain on this day promises abundant grape and fruit harvest.
August 15 is the feast of Nagyboldogasszony. In the ancient church, the Assumption of Mary is the oldest feast of Mary. It has been a compulsory holiday in our country since (our first king) St. Stephen.
On August 20, Hungarians celebrate the day of their country-founding king, St. Stephen. According to folk observation, storks set off for warmer regions on this day. People of Rye Island, in line with the order of the whole nation, also celebrated the cutting of the consecrated new bread on this day. Rye Island people held a tradition to always grant the first piece of the new bread baked from the new wheat, to beggars so that there would always be enough bread to offer as a gift.
August 24 is the feast of Bertalan (St. Bartholomew the Apostle). According to folk belief, as the weather is on Bertalan's day, so will the autumn be. Thunderstorm on this day refers to ice and snow. If it rains, a good cabbage harvest is expected.
