In the last century, the majority of Finns were farmers. The seasonal changes in the farmer's work ruled the rhythm of life. The passage of time was marked by the important dates in the farming seasons, with the year's feast days being a combination of church holidays and celebrations connected with farming. One of the most important days of the farmer's year was the autumn kekri, the final feast of the harvesting season and also the beginning of a new year. The events of the coming year were foretold by pouring melted tin into cold water to cast it in an irregular shape and then studying the shadows it cast. This method of foretelling the future is a widespread New Year ritual in Finnish homes. It has to be done right after 24.00 when the new year arrives. Instead of pouring the rin into cold water also cold snow can be used.