August 14, Orthodox Christians celebrate the first of a series of summer holidays, united by the name "saved" - honey. There are also other names for him-the Saved Savage, the Wet Saved and Macovei. A great number of traditions and rituals are associated with this day, but what can not be done on the Macovei holiday - this is in this article.
Where did it come from?
On this day in the churches celebrate the origin of the honest ancient life-giving cross. This day marks the beginning of a two-week fast, which precedes another great Orthodox holiday - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. The name "Macovei" was given to the holiday by the holy brothers of the martyrs of Maccabees, who in 166 BC. Together with his mother Solomon and the teacher Eleazar, they were martyred for their faith. Over time, the name "Maccabeus" was transformed into the familiar rumor of "Macovei", largely due to the poppy that ripens and is being blossomed by this time.
On the day of the Wet Savior, parishioners went to temples with bouquets of wildflowers and medicinal herbs , which for the following year were used to fight against the spirits and evil spirits. On this day, the wells and water in the reservoirs were consecrated, bathing in which was equivalent to getting rid of sins. After themselves, they washed the cattle.
What can not be done on the Macovei?
As in any Christian holiday, you can not be angry, annoyed, cursed and discouraged. It's just a crime to stay that day at home and farm. The latter is welcomed only in relation to the poor and widows. On this day it is customary to help them, treat them with honey and supplies, because in accordance with the letter it will make life happier and more prosperous. On Makoveya you can not eat meat and dairy products, because the fast begins, so buns with poppy seeds are better than lean. In the future on odd days dry weather is observed, on Tuesdays and Thursdays you can eat hot food, but without vegetable oil, in already on weekends it is not forbidden and with vegetable.
Those who are interested in what else you can not eat on the Makovei holiday , it is worth noting that the nuts and apples of the new harvest, because for this special holidays are provided, the spas that follow the Wet Savior. In general, there are no strict restrictions any more, the only condition is that you can not swim after the holiday, although it was not recommended to do this even after Ilyin's day; during the first summer, ablution is useful for cleansing the body and soul.