The 11th of July marks Khetag Day in North Ossetia, UGA.ru informs.
The Khetag grove in the Alagir District of North Ossetia is considered sacred among the Osseti people.
According to legend, Khetag was the name of a Kabardian prince's son, who chose to be Christian instead of Muslim and had to leave his homeland for Ossetia. He was followed by his enemies, but the grove provided him with shelter. Since then this grove has been a traditional place of prayer for harvest, good health, etc. Initially, only men could enter this sacred place, but during the Second World War women went there to pray for their husbands and sons.
Khetag Day has been an official holiday since 1994. Three warm pies, milk and honey are traditional offerings for this celebration.
