The Orthodox Church marks September 15 on the new calendar as the feast of the great martyr Saint Nikita of Gothia, a soldier put to death for openly professing Christianity among his own people. In folk tradition the day is known as Nikita the Goose Keeper, and it comes with a long list of customs, from roasting a goose to a firm warning against lending anything to a neighbour.
Who was Saint Nikita of Gothia
Nikita lived in the fourth century in the territory of Bessarabia and belonged to the Gothic tribe himself. He converted to Christianity in the year 325 and began preaching the new faith among his fellow Goths. Power soon returned to the Gothic leader Athanaric, known for his cruelty toward Christians, and persecution followed. Nikita was among those targeted: his persecutors tried to force him to renounce his faith, but he refused. He was sentenced to torture and death by fire, and tradition holds that the flames failed to harm him.
Nikita was buried in Cilicia, in Asia Minor, and healing miracles were soon reported at his tomb. Part of his relics were later moved to Constantinople, now Istanbul, and another part to the Visoki Dečani monastery in Serbia. Believers pray to Saint Nikita of Gothia for protection in times of trouble, from enemies and wrongdoers, and for deliverance from malicious people and unseen threats.
The feast on the old calendar
On the old calendar, September 15 corresponds to September 28 on the new one. That date honours Saint Anthony and Saint Theodosius of the Caves, the founders of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery.
Nikita the Goose Keeper: customs of the day
In folk custom the day is called Nikita the Goose Keeper, and it marks the traditional start of slaughtering domestic geese for the season. A roasted goose becomes the centrepiece of the table, eaten in the belief that it brings a successful year and keeps want away from the household.
The day is considered especially suited to good deeds, however small, such as giving alms, helping neighbours, and feeding stray birds and animals. It is also seen as a favourable day for starting something new.
As on any other day, the Church discourages quarrelling, swearing, envy, malice and judgement of others. Refusing someone who asks for help is considered a serious sin on this feast in particular, since Saint Nikita is understood to intercede for those who share with others.
What not to do on Nikita the Goose Keeper
Folk belief holds that this is not a day for cleaning the house, taking things outside, or lending anything to a neighbour, since doing so is thought to invite financial loss. People are also advised against being careless with money and, above all, against picking up coins dropped by someone else, which is said to bring poverty.
Boasting about success, wealth or good looks is also discouraged, since bragging is thought to scare away luck and can even cost a person what they were proud of. Arguments and disagreements are best avoided too, in the belief that a conflict started on this day can lead to real trouble.
Weddings are traditionally not held on Nikita the Goose Keeper, since a marriage begun on this day is thought to be short-lived. Introducing the parents of a bride and groom to one another on this date, however, is considered a good sign.
Weather omens for September 15
Folk weather lore tied to the day is meant to forecast the coming winter, spring and even summer. Clear skies today are said to mean wind tomorrow, while a dry, warm day points to a cold, snowy winter. Rain that starts on this date is taken as a sign of a late, wet spring, and a cold wind is read as a promise of a warm summer. Numerous anthills are said to foretell a harsh winter, while geese flying high suggest possible winter flooding, a snowy winter and a spring with high water levels.
People also watch the behaviour of geese themselves on this day. If the birds stand by the water tucking up one leg, quick frosts are expected, but if they splash about in the water, warmer weather is thought to be on the way.
Who celebrates their name day
Name days on September 15 are marked by Maksym, Mykyta, Semen and Stepan. Tradition holds that people born on this date carry a wide range of talents they can apply across many fields. They are said to be sociable by nature, able to fit easily into any company, with leadership qualities that help them rise in their careers, and to make loyal spouses and reliable friends.
