St. Nicholas was famous for being kind and merciful to every person who addressed him. Even the most terrible sins he gave forgiveness.
But at the same time, occasionally, he showed and the sharpness of his character . So, in 325 he slapped a stubborn heretic. For these actions he was deprived of his rank and put in prison.
After a while, the bishops were given a sign, and they liberated St. Nicholas. Wonderworker was named for his ability to heal people with prayers.
On May 22, the transfer of the relics of this man to the church of St. Stephen. This day is also called the holiday of Nikola Veshnego.
Signs for St. Nicholas Day
On the day of St. Nicholas or on May 22 there are certain signs that can not be overlooked.
If there is windy weather for the week of May 22, then we must begin to burn the fields. It is believed that if on May 22 it will be warm, then it will remain until the fall. Until this day, all kinds of bathing are forbidden, and who is being bathed, then misfortune awaits. Also there is a sign that if it's rainy this day, it's to a good harvest.
Take on the holiday of Nicholas Summer, although not much, but people follow them and adhere to. So, it is considered a great disrespect to leave them without attention.
Traditions for the church holiday of Nikola Letnevoy
On May 22, according to tradition, people were driven out for the night in the field of their horses. Horses are usually seen off to the bachelors, to which girls eventually join - then songs and dances start. Supervision of adults is not allowed, as it is believed that on this day the boys enter into adulthood.
Also there is a belief that before this day it is supposed to be sowed with oats of the field, otherwise there will be a crop failure.
Interesting facts of the religious holiday of Nikola Summer
Not only the Orthodox are treated with respect to this day, as well as Muslims and pagans. All this from the fact that St. Nicholas is revered as the most responsive to the requests of holy people.
In the iconography there are differences on Nicholas the Winter and Nicholas the Veshnego. In this case, the first is depicted in the miter, and the second without a headdress. There is a tradition that the iconography of St. Nicholas the Winter came from the time of the reign of Nicholas the First, who first noticed that it is not fitting for the heavenly protector to depict without the episcopal miter.