On Tuesday, Christians honor the holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, known as the leaders of angelic regiments and guides of souls to heaven. According to tradition, on this day, a great commemoration of all the dead in the family is held, and popular belief says that they do not work on Saints Michael and Gabriel.

Archangel Michael is the leader of the heavenly angelic hosts, and Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to the Virgin Mary to inform her that she would give birth to the Savior Jesus, and also brought the news of the Mother’s conception. God’s righteous Joachim and Anna.

In Romanian religious folklore, Archangel Michael is a more revered figure compared to Archangel Gabriel. He sometimes carries the keys of heaven, is an ardent fighter against the devil, and watches over the head of the sick if they are destined to die, or at their feet if they are allowed to live. Many times he is seen to join Saint Elijah as he thunders and thunders or hails himself with a cannon. He also keeps the plague under control, like Saint Charalambius.

Once upon a time, Archangels were celebrated in Bukovina, because “they are the guardians of people from birth to death, praying to God for their health.” In popular ideas, Archangels also facilitate the Last Judgment, are patrons of the home, burn sins accumulated by natural human passions, and cleanse the conscience by fasting.

In the mountains, where the archangels are also the patrons of sheep, the owners of the animals made a large cake from corn flour, which was called a “lamb cake” (rams are rams separated from sheep), which they threw into the sheepfold on the morning of November 8. It was believed that if the ball falls face up, all the sheep will have lambs in the spring.

In the national calendar, Saints Michael and Gabriel are celebrated on three days – November 8, 9 and 10. The first day is called the head of the Archangel, the second day is the middle of the Archangel, and the third is called the tail of the Archangel.

The custom is that candles are lit on Saints Michael and Gabriel both for the living and for those who went to the saints without a candle or went missing under tragic circumstances.

Also, on the day of the holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who, according to belief, receive the souls of people when they die, a great wake was held for all the deceased in the family.

According to popular belief, on this day of the celebration of the holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, they do not work, because whoever neglects this rule will have pre-death suffering.

November 8 is considered the “Summer of Archangels”, and in addition, between Archangels and Christmas there should be from two to four clear and warm days, which are popularly called “Summer of Winter”.

On the Saturday before the holiday, guests are arranged for the souls of the dead. Alms for the dead, on Christmas Eve or Archangel’s Day, are called “Archangel estates”.