What not to do on August 9th, the day of Panteleimon

      According to the folk calendar - Cabbage Day. This holiday is associated with many traditions, signs, and strict prohibitions - from working in the field to cutting hair. We tell you all the details.

      Orthodox holiday - the day of the great martyr Panteleimon

      On August 9, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the great martyr Panteleimon - one of the most revered saints in Russia. He was born in Nicomedia at the end of the 3rd century in the family of a noble pagan, received an excellent medical education, and could have become the court physician of the emperor. However, he converted to Christianity and dedicated himself to selfless healing of the suffering. Illustration for the Orthodox holiday on August 9. For his faith, Panteleimon was brutally tortured, but he remained unharmed. When the executioner finally managed to behead him, a white liquid resembling milk flowed from the wound instead of blood. The saint is revered by the people as a healer and protector of warriors; prayers are offered to him for healing from diseases and for the health of loved ones.

      Traditions of the day

      In the folk calendar, August 9 was called Panteleimon's Day or Cabbage Day. The name is associated with the fact that by this time cabbage began to form into tight heads. Peasants carefully examined the cabbage beds: if the heads were tightly formed, there would be a rich harvest. Illustration for the traditions of Cabbage Day. On this day in Russia, it was customary to bake pies with cabbage and treat neighbors, children, the poor, and travelers with them. It was believed that sharing food on this day would bring prosperity to the home. Housewives cooked the first cabbage soup of the season and also began to prepare cabbage for winter: they fermented and salted the heads, believing that cabbage prepared on this day would last especially long. Healers and herbalists tried to finish gathering medicinal herbs on August 9, as it was believed that on this day plants were endowed with special power.

      What not to do on Cabbage Day

      Illustration for the prohibitions of Cabbage Day. This day is associated with many strict prohibitions. It is forbidden to engage in heavy physical labor, especially in the field, otherwise there will be no harvest next year, and lightning may punish the negligent. It is forbidden to quarrel, argue, and curse - a conflict that starts on this day may drag on for a long time. It is forbidden to cut cabbage so that the heads in the beds do not stop forming. It is also not recommended to get a haircut, count small change, refuse to help those in need, or lend or borrow money.

      Weather signs

      Illustration for weather signs on August 9. The weather on Cabbage Day was used to predict what the autumn and winter would be like. If it rains, autumn will be damp and cold. Clear weather means an early and warm autumn. Thunder in the morning heralds early autumn frosts. Morning fog lying on the ground indicates a good harvest of grains. If the nightingale sings more often than usual, it means rain is coming. If grasshoppers chirp loudly, the weather will be dry and warm. A lot of rowan berries on the trees means a harsh winter. If the cabbage forms good heads, there will be a rich harvest of vegetables.

      Unusual holidays around the world

      In addition to the church and folk holiday, August 9 is marked by several unofficial events around the world. Illustration for unusual holidays around the world on August 9. The Day of the Favorable Wind is popular among travelers and sailors: competitions, regattas, and sailing championships are held in its honor. The Day of Air Kisses is celebrated by romantic souls who flirt, express affection, or simply lift the spirits of passersby with an air kiss. The World Book Lovers Day originated in the USA but quickly gained fans in other countries. In Russia, August 9 is also celebrated as Builder's Day - a professional holiday established in 1955, as well as the Day of Military Glory of Russia in honor of the victory at Cape Gangut and the Day of the End of the Siege of Leningrad.

      Diana Salikhzanova