Honey Spas (Macovei) is celebrated every year on August 14. During this period, religious people bring honey to the church for the purpose of consecration. The custom is associated with the ancient setting - give the 1st fee to the Lord and only then eat personally. Is it possible to work in Honey Spas or is it better to refrain from any activity?
The history of the celebration
In the spiritual calendar, this period is 7 Maccabees sufferers, and among the people the celebration is simply referred to as Makovei or 1st Spas. August 14 consecrate poppy, honey, water and see off the summer. In addition, they prepare a Macovean flower - a bouquet of mint, thyme, calendula, poppy and consecrate in the cathedral. On Makovei, among other things, sanctify wells, sources.
On Makovei comes the two-week Assumption fast, which is determined by the holidays of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Assumption of the Virgin.
There are many customs and prohibitions associated with this holiday. In Honey Spas is it possible to work around the house or just collect honey?
Earlier, our ancestors immediately during this period began to collect honey from apiaries. Honeycombs in the hives by this time in most cases are already full. Then, without exception, everyone gathered at the ponds, ate honey, sang songs and generally spent time together. In addition, products with poppy seeds were certainly baked.
Traditions
Can I work at Honey Spas? Traditions show no. For this holiday, cakes and shortcakes with poppy seeds were baked. Classical bouquets were called makoveiki. As a rule, they were worn by girls in the temple, before this hearty breakfast - so that the following year was prolific.
Consecrated poppy heads, in addition, stacked pillows around guys who sleep poorly or restless slumber.
Sanctified Macovei on flowers and grass kept behind the icons as a healing potion, which is then used for the treatment of sick animals. A first consecrated in the temples of the poppy used to protect homes, livestock, yard by evil spirits.
In separate villages, large crosses were set up, painted with paints and decorated with poppy heads, and from above they attached a pumpkin mask with a burning candle from the inside, which resembled a human skull. Throughout the whole night, the young generation sang and danced, defending their own Makoveevsky cross. Is it possible to work in Honey Spas, or is it only allowed to celebrate?
It is preferable to install the dried makoveychik on the windowsill. In the old days they still believed that on Makovei the girls are forgiven for all their sins without exception, if they forgive themselves and pray for mercy.
divination
In the morning in Makovei, my mother let her daughter go to the temple, where after the service, the clergyman consecrated bouquets tied with scarlet ribbons from the herbs gathered on the eve of the celebration. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to work on a holiday (Honey Spas) was inappropriate in itself. Already after the consecration on the threshold of housing, the mother awaited the girl, took the potion and sentenced: “Let your fate be as graceful as the flower, and as cloudless as your mercy at present, come with your narrow-minded to you.”
The young girl hung flowers and poppies from the ceiling, often over the image. It was considered an idol from evil forces for a year. Mistresses sanctified in Makovei kept the poppy for the Holy Supper on Christmas Day, because it is considered an integral component of the evening meal - kutya.
In addition, the poppy was used by a young girl who wanted to spell a young man. With this poppy a woman sowed a young man three times, saying in an undertone: “So that you would throw me if you accumulate this poppy near you.”
prohibitions
When asked whether it is possible to work in Honey Spas, signs say the following.
- In Honey Spas, summer is drawing to a close. For this reason, August 14 forbidden to plunge into the water, as in Elijah's day, since it is possible to drown or fall ill. According to the logical representations of the night to make cold, the water began to "bloom" that could provoke a variety of diseases.
- In this period, a serious Assumption post comes, for this reason it is necessary to adhere to the principles of healthy eating.
- You should not talk loudly at Makovei, celebrate loudly, as you can frighten the bees (and honey was collected that day).
- On Macovei unacceptable swear, swear or wish anyone bad, or negative returns like a boomerang.
- During this period you can not work and clean the housing: the important household chores rather finish in anticipation of the holiday.
Temple Celebration
On this day, festive services were held in temples, people especially trusted in signs. Is it possible to work in Honey Spas - this issue has not even been discussed. Priests perform ritual vodosvyacheniya and sanctify basket with gifts of nature that bring the faithful.
What to put in the basket for consecration in Honey Spas? Each item carries value, symbolic meaning, and this must be understood. According to the foundations, honey or honeycombs (as a sign of prosperity in a house), brown bread (a symbol of family), spice (a sign of perseverance in religion), salt (a symbol of readiness for life difficulties), and baked goods with honey are placed in the saving basket.
Also, do not forget about the makeway charm!
Consecration colors
Based on ethnic foundations, in the period consecrated talismans-makoveychiki - bouquets of flowers and herbs. It is imperative that you enter the Makoveichik:
- guelder-rose - a sign of charm and a female basis;
- sunflower - a symbol of faith;
- marigolds and nibbles - a symbol of well-being;
- mint - a sign of inner peace of mind;
- wormwood is a sign of reconciliation;
- poppy heads - fertility.
To supplement the basket can candle (matches to take with you), fragrant vegetation (mint, thyme, Marigolds). Living plants embody pleasure and faith in eternal life.
And the main thing in this period is not to forget that the Savior in the first place is the triumph of the soul.