The old Hungarian name is derived from the archangel celebrated at the end of the month, which is why it is called the month of St. Michael. Autumn festive habits and beliefs of all kinds served to increase fertility, preserve and protect one’s health.
September 1 is the feast of Egyed (St. Aegydius), also the beginning of meteorological autumn. Folk traditions regard this day as the commencement of the autumn season. Good weather on this day was believed to promise a pleasant autumn and good wine.
On September 8, the church celebrates the birthday of Virgin Mary. The name of the holiday is Kisasszonynap (Little Miss Day, Assumption Day). On Rye Island girls and women were not allowed to work on this day. The ban mainly concerned weaving and spinning. This day was a pilgrimage day across the country. The inhabitants of the villages of Upper Rye Island made an on-foot pilgrimage to Szentantal (Bacsfa) to the helping (painting of) Virgin Mary.
September 29 is the celebration of the appearance of St. Michael the Archangel. Folk tradition relates mainly beliefs, customs and weather observations regarding work on the fields to this day. On this day the cattle were driven from external fields and summer lodges into stables. Servants were commisioned on this day, and shepherds also held one of their annual village walks. Shepherds were allowed to walk around the village and collect their allowance four times a year. In addition to Saint Michael’s Day these days were November 11, that is Saint Martin’s Day, Christmas and Easter.
The weather on St. Michael's already projects next year. If cattle rest lying, closely together, it marks the arrival of a hard, cold winter. The people of Rye Island also observed that the lightning and thunder after St. Michael's Day promises bad weather during the approaching winter. If northern wind blows at this time, it will bring a hard winter, a lot of snow.
