In the summer, Orthodox people adhere to the Assumption Lent, which lasts exactly three weeks. It ends with the onset of the three Spas. The very first is Honey Spas, which is celebrated on August 14th. Five days later, on August 19, the time comes for Apple Savior. The very last, the third is the Nut Savior, it is also called by the people the Bread. It is celebrated before the onset of autumn - August 29.
History of occurrence
Nut and Bread Spas was first celebrated back in 944. It was on August 29, by order of the Byzantine emperor Constantine, that the Image of the Savior appeared in Constantinople. The servants brought him from the ancient city of Edessa.
Orthodox traditions
In Russia, the Nut and Bread Spas is not customary to celebrate in a special way. Usually only deeply Orthodox people worship this day. What can not be said about Apple Savior, which is quite popular in our country.
From ancient times on August 29 it was decided to work. Nobody arranged a weekend, did not allow himself to relax and celebrate. As a rule, everyone around them was interested in harvesting and working in the fields.
The only thing that happened on this day was the organization of national fairs. It was believed that on this day trade would be more fruitful than ever. At that time, each person took into account the following formula:
- First, Honey Spas stands on the water.
- Apples are contented for the second Savior.
- Third Savior - bread in store.
After a hard day, the peasants indulged in a festive dinner.
What should be on the table that day?
The Third Savior, Nut-Bread, is customary to celebrate at a round table in the circle of the closest people. Housewives carefully prepared for dinner and tried to surprise their guests with a pie with nuts. A must on the table was bread. Previously, he was carried to consecrate to the church. It was impossible to cut God's “gift” with a knife; all guests broke off a small piece from it and ate it.
Such a conditional tradition exists today. But bread cannot be bought in a store; its mistress must bake it on her own.
Another important attribute on the festive table is a nut branch. She acted as a symbol of this holy day. They were also previously taken to church. It was believed that after consecration they were endowed with powerful power. This branch had to be brought into the house in Orekhovy and Khlebny Spas and left it there for the whole year. According to ancient tradition, this amulet brings happiness to the house.
Men celebrated this holiday with strong beer, but drank at the festive table no more than one large glass. They stretched it all evening. On this day, it was also customary to go to visit relatives and friends with a holiday cake. It was believed that if a person does not eat a hunk of such a loaf on that day, then the next year will be unsuccessful.
Customs
There are several signs that take their strength into the Nut and Bread Spas.
- It is believed that it is after the Nut Savior that a sick person can be cured, and a healthy person can strengthen his health. To do this, bring a broom made of hazel to the house and hang it on the door.
- It is August 29th that it is customary to purify and sanctify water. A priest approached each well in the villages and carried out his rite. From the next day, groundwater was considered healing.
- On the eve of the holy holiday, it was customary to cleanse the soul and body. In the evening, before going to bed, people went to the bathhouse and steamed with a broom. In the afternoon, it was customary to go to church to atone for sins. Purified inside and out, Orthodox people celebrated the holiday.
- It is recommended that on this day sow rye for the winter, then the harvest will be rich. Old rye is removed and flour is made from it.
- In the morning, before breakfast, a home prayer was said. As a rule, women stayed at home, and men went to work in the fields.
- Grandmothers on holiday prepared a medicine for the whole winter - a special nut tincture against colds. Then for three weeks they put her in a dark, cool place.
Signs
The onset of the Nut Savior can be recognized by several popular signs:
- It was noticed that on this day for the last time the most beautiful birds - swallows and cranes make themselves felt. It was believed that if they fly away, then the winter will be frosty. If after this day they remain for some time, the winter will be warm.
- If on August 29 the Nut Bread Spas is accompanied by rain with a severe thunderstorm, the harvest will be large.
- It was believed that if there is dry heat on this day, autumn and winter will be poor.
In the first, second and third Savior, it was customary to baptize children. People believed that if this procedure was done on a holy holiday, then the crumb would be under the protection of the Savior. The construction of a new well was considered a good omen. People who wanted to improve their health made brooms from hazel and went to the bathhouse with them.
How to celebrate now?
Of course, many traditions have already been lost, and this sacred holiday has not been celebrated for a long time as it was noted before. Nobody brings nut branches into the house and does not go to church in order to consecrate bread. Many on this day continue to work and engage in land affairs. However, deeply Orthodox people remained who remember the existence of the holiday. They bake pies and treat them to their neighbors, relatives and friends. People gather in a warm family circle for a cup of tea.
The "Nut and Bread Spas" playcast sends young people to each other on social networks. At the same time, they are studying the features of the holiday. Some schools offer classroom hours.
Congratulations
In almost every house, greetings are sounded in Hazelnut Bread Spas. People wish each other good crops, warmth and good. Young couples who recently entered into a marriage were made to give a calico swaddle, wishing them a speedy appearance of the heir.
Verses of his own composition also sound loudly in the Nut and Bread Spas. Usually they are pronounced in temples and themed classroom hours in schools. For example, you can hear these:
Bread Spas came to our house,
He brought comfort and joy.
And leave for later
All misfortune and loss!
You can congratulate in prose, for example, to tell loved ones: "On this holy holiday, we want to wish your home to be full of love, kindness and understanding."
More than ten centuries have passed since this holiday appeared. Of course, many of the traditions that existed earlier have already been lost and are not respected, as are folk signs. However, in the church calendar, Walnut Spas is still considered a public holiday. Therefore, every believer should congratulate his loved ones on this great day.
Despite the fact that this holiday is no longer as popular as it was several centuries ago, on this day the doors of churches are still open for Orthodox people. On August 29, services and holy rites are held.