On December 7, the Orthodox Churches celebrate the day of memory of Catherine the Great, and the people widely celebrate Katherine. Women ask the saint for the welfare of the family and unmarried girls are wondering at her spouse. About superstitions and traditions of the holiday, what you can and can not do on the Day of Catherine, read on.
Christian Catherine of Alexandria lived at the end of the III century AD in Alexandria. Girl born into a wealthy family, so she received an excellent education. Her mother was a secret Christian. Catherine was intelligent, beautiful, and knew his worth, so the future husband saw the rich and educated man, who would be educated and it is not less secure. She did not hesitate to talk about it and finally narrowed the range of its fans and contenders for her hand and heart is gone.
But one day she had a dream: to it were the Mother of God and Jesus, who wore her wedding ring and said his right hand: "I do not know the groom earth."
Soon the emperor Maximian suggested Catherine to marry him on the condition that she will sacrifice to the pagan gods. She refused and the Emperor remained true to their faith, for which he was executed. Thus, Christians read Catherine steel for its firmness of belief.
Day Celebrate St. Catherine Orthodox and Catholics, because she was canonized long before the division of Christians.
How to spend the day of St. Catherine
St. Catherine the people are always very revered and considered her patroness of young girls, married and pregnant women. In the prayers to the holy woman asked well-being in the family, health, children and great mutual love. In this case, it is sure to lit the three candles of wax. If the family conflicts and other disorders, it must be ordered hymns Saint Catherine, and she will help restore harmony and harmony in the family.
7 December, at Catherine's Day, do not advise to do hard physical work, as well as the need to refrain from a fun, alcohol and observe a strict fast. Pregnant women are advised to rest the delivery to be quick and easy.
On the eve of unmarried young men observe a strict fast and prayed for God to send them a good husband.
According to legend, Catherine's favorite color was blue. "Treat" holy, dressed in blue clothing.
most the main tradition of December 7 was guessing on future husband. Here are the most common:
- On the eve of the girls put under the pillow bread crust, that the restriction was in a dream;
- We put the pot of porridge on the porch, calling their own destiny;
- Cherry branch put into the water and waited until Basil's Day (14 January): If the sprig bloomed buds and flowers appear, in the future, the girl had a good marriage.
December 7th: Catherine holiday-Sannitsy
In folk tradition, December 7 is also called the holiday Caterina Sannitsy. This day was the opening of the sledge road. On sleigh riding everything from small to large: children - from a hill on the small sledding, youth and adults - in a sleigh in a horse carriage.
First sledging called Ekateriniskim festivitiesWhen arranged in a sleigh race, where we walked throughout the village.
Especially we are waiting for the feast of Catherine, unmarried girls and guys, when they had the opportunity to look at each other. Especially the girls were happy when the young man liked to sit in her sled and rolled down with it: it was believed that his heart "melt" and soon he responds to her feelings.
What not to do in Catherine Day
- St. Catherine's Day falls on the period Advent, so many taboos associated with it.
- Should abstain from animal food and vegetable oil, as in 2018 Catherine Day falls on Friday - the day of strict fasting.
- It is forbidden to do hard physical work, and do needlework.
- You can not have fun and drink alcohol.
- It is not necessary to make a fire or light the stove, so that "life is not puffed."
Signs Catherine Day December 7th
- If this day clear sky, the winter is going to be frosty.
- If the night sky stars are not visible or seen very little - it should soon fall heavy snow.
- If the sun's rays are directed upward, it should soon begin storm.
- Circles around the moon - to the frosty weather.
- Catherine Day came - on a sledge ride brought.
- If Catherine holiday warm weather, the frost will come only after St. Barbara's Day (December 17).
You will also be useful to know,How many days will rest Ukrainians on Christmas and New Year 2019.
Photos from public sources
