This month is also called the month of St. James based on the feast of the Apostle James. July is the time of the most demanding agricultural work, the month of harvest. Activities began around the day of Peter and Paul. Long time ago, a farmer would go out to his land, cross himself, and cut off some grain enough for a sheaf. After that, hard work could finally begin, usually starting with a prayer and even blessing the tools needed for the harvest.


Reapers were usually out in the fields early in the morning, as early as three o'clock, cutting the grain until five or six in the afternoon. The cut grain was tied into sheaves, placed in crosses. A seven-cross consisted of eighteen sheaves. The top sheaf was called the priest’s because during feudalism a harvest was taxed. Reapers were eating from a common bowl on the stubble, silently, and after a short rest, continued their work.


At the end of the harvest, a so called harvest wreath was woven by the girls from the ears of wheat, rye, and oats. The wreath was taken to the farmer's house by the reapers and hand-pickers, and the decorated wreath symbolizing the harvested crop was ceremoniously handed over in the midst of good wishes. The farmer hosted his workers with dinner, drinks and blessings.

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