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.
NB! The summer season of the open-air museum begins on Michaelmas Day, when
the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. This year, on Michaelmas Day, which
falls on a Monday, the following are open:
the cash desk and museum shop, Kolga farm Kid`s World, Kolu Inn, Lau village
shop and summer café from 10 am to 5 pm,
the Shepherd`s Adventure Trail and museum territory from 11 am to 7 pm.
Horse rides from 11 am to 3:45 pm.
Free entry for everyone!
