Anna's Day – July 26th – Mistress of the House Day and Garden Blessing

Anna's Day, or Mistress of the House Day, is when the garden and field begin to generously repay spring's labor. While Jēkabs Day (July 25th) focuses on the first new bread, on Anna's Day, the mistress of the house could finally dig new potatoes and pull the first carrots and peas. This was a day for mistresses to showcase their cooking skills and pride in their produce. Therefore, markets were held, and "aplīgošana" songs were sung, asking for Anna's blessing for the protection of sheep and other livestock.

Traditional beliefs:

• Harvest Time: After Anna's Day, you can fully enjoy the new harvest; it will bring health and strength.

• Rain: If it rains on Anna's Day, expect a wet autumn and a difficult harvest.

• Seeding: Turnips and radishes should be sown on Anna's Day to grow large and worm-free.