Michaelmas day

29th of September 

Mihklipäev (St. Michael’s Day) has traditionally been considered the opposite of Jüripäev (St. George’s Day).

While in April fieldwork and outdoor grazing begin, Mihklipäev marks the end of these activities. The work season for farmhands came to a close, wages were paid to yearly workers, and herder children could go to school and finally wear shoes. The day could be celebrated with a richer feast, as autumn harvests were ready, and some livestock or poultry had been slaughtered. The last butter of the season was put on the table. This day is also strongly associated with the tradition of beer drinking. People would taste beer at their neighbors' or go to the tavern in the evening. A Mihklipäev fair was often held, where farmhands were happy to attend, and they would receive some fair money from their employers. Generally, Mihklipäev was a day of rest and celebration, similar to a Sunday.

The well-known saying "Every ram has its Mihklipäev" originates from the tradition of slaughtering a sheep or ram on this day. This could be done as a sacrifice for future good harvests and herds, to honor ancestors, or to celebrate the completion of fieldwork and the end of the farmhands' work year.

Come and join in the Michaelmas day activities at the Estonian Open Air Museum. Free entry for everyone!