The middle of the last month of summer for Orthodox believers is notable for the fact that during this period the Assumption Lent begins . On the first day of its beginning, by tradition, many Christians celebrate the Feast of the Savior, dedicated to the memory of 7 Maccabee martyrs. What really happened on this day?
history of the holiday
According to ancient manuscripts, it was on this day in 988 that Vladimir the Great was baptized. In Honey Spas, temple ministers recall the martyrs of the Maccabees, their teachers, Eleazar and their mother, Solomon, who suffered for the faith. In 166 BC they were brought to the king of Syria, Antiochus, accusing them of preaching Christianity. The cruel ruler decided to force them to eat food prohibited in the Old Testament, and when he was refused, he became furious and betrayed the brothers, together with their mother and teacher, to cruel torment. They cut off their fingers and toes, cut out their tongues, burned them alive on hot pans, and ripped off their skin from their heads. Thus, six older brothers were tortured. The youngest Antiochus persuaded with affection to renounce the faith. He promised him rewards and finally asked his mother for advice to his last brother. But Solomonia turned to her son, convincing him to remain faithful to the faith and not be afraid of the tormentor. Then the king put them to death, while suffering even more torment.
Honey Spas: traditions
From ancient times on this day it was customary to sprinkle the corners in the house with the seeds of wild poppies so that no evil spirits could penetrate the dwelling. The very name of the holiday - Honey Spas - is explained by the fact that from this time on, the bees stop collecting nectar, and honey collection begins. Moreover, the cells that were cut off first were specially left in order to be brought to the temple for consecration. It is believed that only after that it was possible to eat collected honey.
When Honey Spas came, the beekeepers put on festive clothes and chose the largest hive, in which there was the most honey. The collected honeycombs were folded only into new dishes made of wood. In addition to honey, a bouquet of summer flowers was also taken to the temple, into which several heads of poppy were woven. Part of the consecrated plants was left in the house or near the entrance to protect the housing from evil spirits. And poppy heads were scattered around the barn with cattle, so that witches would not steal milk at night and send diseases. Most of the bouquet was placed for the icon. It is believed that there he radiates holy energy and will help in case of illness. Few people know that Honey Spas, whose date falls on August 14, has another name - Spas on Water. This is due to the fact that on this day it was customary to consecrate wells and ponds, as well as to organize public celebrations near the headquarters, rivers and lakes.
Honey Spas: Signs
For a long time this day for the Slavs symbolized the beginning of farewell to the summer. After it, the weather will become cooler, the days are shorter and the nights are longer. After this holiday, the Orthodox began sowing winter crops. It was believed that if you do this earlier - there will be a crop failure. The Orthodox believe that if you bathe on that day, then unredeemed sins will be forgiven.