Annually the entire Orthodox world celebrates the holiday of the Honey Savior (Makavei, Poppy Spas, Gourmet, Savior on the water). But, unlike Easter and a number of other church holidays, believers do not need to count according to the Lunar or other calendar what date the Honeymoon Savior will be celebrated this year, because the date is unchanged - August 14.
Traditions of the Honey Spa
Like most holidays, the Honey Spas has its own traditions connected with the consecration of water and honey. On the First Savior at the table of the hostess they serve food, in which there must be a poppy that ripens during this period. Lenten pies, macanque, pawnshops, pancakes with poppy filling, poppy cakes, buns with poppy seeds and much more ate during this holiday. It began with a meal with poppy milk, which was received in the makogone, grinding the poppy seeds. In this mass dipped pancakes.
In addition to poppy, much attention was paid to water in this important day for Orthodox Christians. August 14, people dig new wells, and the old thoroughly cleaned. On the springs and natural reservoirs made the procession. They bathed themselves in consecrated water, bathed domestic animals. It was believed that the Mackoway Spas water washed away all sins and gave health. After Makavye in the reservoirs of swimming was not accepted. The Honey Spas characterized the seeing-off of the summer, and judged by the weather how it would be on the Third Savior.
The name Honey First Spas got because the hive by mid-August was bursting with honey. The beekeepers proceeded to assemble it. And only after Maccabees, honey was consecrated in the church, it was allowed to eat it. At the table drinking drunk beverages based on honey. Until now, it is believed that the honey consecrated to Spas has an incredible healing power, he cures many diseases.
From August 14 begins a very strict two-week fast, ending on the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 28).