Honey Savior: when we celebrate and what needs to be done on Makovei

In August, Orthodox Christians celebrate holidays dedicated to Christ the Savior. They are called Spas, and there are three of them in the last month of summer. The first of them, Honey or Poppy Savior, falls on this Saturday, August 14th. On this day, believers must go to the church and bless the sacred, in the opinion of the church, products. What are the traditions of this holiday, what can and cannot be done on this day, and what needs to be consecrated in the church on Makovei, read our material.

Honey Spas: history of the holiday

The First Savior is called differently: Honey, Poppy, Poppy, Wet (or Savior on the Water). All of this refers to the same holiday that dates back to the 9th century BC. On this day in Constantinople they celebrated

Destruction of the honest trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. Due to the August heat at this time, the city was attacked by infectious diseases: in order to protect themselves from them, the clergy carried out into the streets and crossroads parts of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

Also on this day the memory is honored holy martyrs Maccabees, seven brothers and their mother Solomon. In the 2nd century BC, they took a cruel death for their faith. In memory of them (and not at all because of the poppy), the holiday on August 14 is called Macovei.

But the First Savior is called Poppy due to the fact that by that day, as a rule, the poppy harvest was ripening in the fields. For the same reason, the holiday is called Honey: it is believed that at this time it is necessary to harvest honey, and the bees are no longer engaged in its production until next spring.

Name Savior on the water (or Wet Savior) came from an ancient belief: supposedly on this day in Kievan Rus, Prince Vladimir received his baptism. In memory of this event in ancient Kiev, on Medovy Spas, it was customary to consecrate the waters of the Dnieper. Now the reservoirs are not sanctified, but the water in the church is sure to be sanctified.

Makovei traditions: what to carry to the church

On Honey Spas, the beginning of a two-week Assumption Lent. This post is also called Spasovka, because it captures all three Great Savior and ends on August 29 with Orekhovy or Cold Savior. Therefore, the festive table on this day should be extremely lean. You can sit down for it only after the believers come from the church. And in the church it is necessary to consecrate four sacred things.

Water: it is believed that the water consecrated on this day has healing power no worse than Epiphany water. With its help, they cleanse the house of negative energy and help the sick to bear the illness easier.

Poppy: believers bring poppy seeds to church as thanks to God for a good harvest. The consecrated poppy is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. It is kept in the house until next year and is sown in the fields in the spring.

Honey: our ancestors believed that consecrated honey has a special healing power. Only freshly harvested honey was brought to the church. It was kept in the house as medicine and was used in case of illness or as a treat on major church holidays.

Makoveichik: the fourth obligatory position for consecration is considered to be a bouquet of field herbs, flowers and poppy heads. People call it "makoveichik". You can buy it or assemble it yourself: from the indispensable attributes in the bouquet there should be only poppy heads, and everything else is at your discretion.

It is believed that marigolds (black shaves) in a bouquet symbolize happiness, mint is responsible for good health, lovage is able to increase love, a sunflower will bring understanding, and bitter wormwood will become a talisman for a strong families. In addition, any greens (dill, parsley, basil) and even vegetables and cereals (peas, beans, corn cobs) can be added to the bouquet.

Honey Savior: what can and cannot be done

After the blessing of the products in the church, they must be brought home and placed in a secluded place. You can decorate your home with consecrated poppy heads. Also on this day, it is customary to sprinkle poppy seeds on the threshold: it is believed that in this way you put an obstacle to the entry of bad energy and people with impure intentions into the house.

With a poppy seed, it is imperative to go around all corners of the apartment and pray for the health and well-being of the family. After that, the bouquet is placed behind the icons and stored until next year. It will become a symbolic talisman and protection of the house from illness and misfortune.

There is also a custom to make a wish with the first spoonful of honey consecrated in the church. There is only one condition - desire should not be material. Usually they ask God for health, longevity, mutual understanding in the family, harmony in the house and prosperity in some endeavors.

On this day, it is categorically impossible to quarrel, raise your voice, discuss and condemn strangers and even think badly about someone. Handicrafts, housework and gardening are prohibited. It is also not recommended to celebrate the holiday noisily: it should pass calmly, in a family circle and with benevolent thoughts.

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