Honey Spas: what is this holiday, and what traditions are associated with it

The middle of the last month of summer for Orthodox believers is noteworthy in that during this period the Assumption Post begins . On the first day of its beginning, according to tradition, many Christians celebrate the feast of the Honey Savior, dedicated to the memory of the 7 martyrs of the Maccabees. What's so special about this day?

history of the holiday

According to ancient manuscripts, it was on this day in 988 that Vladimir the Great was baptized. In the Honeymoon Savior memorials recall victims for the faith of the martyrs of the Maccabees, their teacher Eleazar and mother Solomonia. In 166 BC. They were brought to the king of Syria by Antiochus, accusing them of preaching Christianity. The cruel ruler decided to force them to eat the food forbidden in the Old Testament, and when he was refused, he became furious and betrayed the brothers along with their mother and teacher cruel torment. They cut off their toes and hands, cut tongues, burned alive on hot pans, tore off their skin. Thus six elder brothers were tortured. The youngest Antiochus, with affection, urged him to renounce his faith. He promised him rewards and finally asked his mother to give the last brother advice. But Solomon turned to her son, urging him to remain faithful to faith and not to fear the tormentor. Then the king betrayed their death, subjecting them to even greater torments.

Honey Spas: traditions

It has long been customary on this day to sprinkle corners in the house with seeds of wild poppy so that no evil spirits can penetrate the dwelling. The very name of the holiday - Honey Spas - is explained by the fact that from this time the bees stop collecting nectar, and the collection of honey begins. Moreover, honeycombs, which were cut first, were specially left to be carried to the sanctuary for sanctification. It is believed that only after this it was possible to eat the collected honey. When the Honeymoon Savior was coming, the beekeepers were dressing festive clothes and choosing the largest beehive in which there was most honey. Collected honeycombs were added only to new dishes made of wood. In addition to honey, a bunch of summer flowers was also taken to the temple, into which several poppy heads were woven. Some of the consecrated plants were left in the house or near the entrance to protect the house from evil forces. And poppy heads scattered around the stable with cattle, so that witches would not steal milk at night and do not send disease. The greater part of the bouquet was put for the icon. It is believed that there he radiates holy energy and will help in case of illness. Few people know that the Honeymoon, whose date falls on August 14, has another name - the Savior on Water. This is due to the fact that on this day it was decided to consecrate wells and ponds, as well as to organize folk festivities near stakes, rivers and lakes.

Honey Spas: signs

Long since this day for the Slavs symbolized the beginning of farewell to the summer. After it, the weather will become cooler, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. After this holiday, the Orthodox started to sow winter crops. It was believed that if you do this earlier - there will be a crop failure. The Orthodox believe: if you bathe on this day, unpardonable sins will be forgiven.