The middle of the last month of summer for Orthodox believers is notable for the fact that during this period the Assumption fast begins. On the first day of its beginning, according to tradition, many Christians celebrate the feast of the Honey Savior, dedicated to the memory of the 7 Maccabee martyrs. What was so special about that day?
History of the holiday
According to ancient manuscripts, it was on this day in 988 that Vladimir the Great was baptized. On the Honey Savior, temple ministers remember the martyrs of Maccabees who suffered for their faith, their teacher Eleazar and mother Solomonia. In 166 BC. they were brought before the king of Syria, Antiochus, accusing them of preaching Christianity. The cruel ruler decided to force them to eat food forbidden in the Old Testament, and when he was refused, he became furious and betrayed the brothers, along with their mother and teacher, to cruel torment. They cut off their toes and fingers, cut out their tongues, burned them alive in hot pans, and skinned them from their heads. Six older brothers were martyred in this way. Antiochus affectionately urged the youngest to renounce the faith. He promised himawards and finally asked his mother to give advice to the last brother. But Solomonia turned to her son, urging him to remain faithful to the faith and not be afraid of the tormentor. Then the king put them to death, subjecting them to even greater torment.
Honey Spas: Traditions
It has long been customary to sprinkle the corners of the house with wild poppy seeds so that no evil spirits could enter the home. The very name of the holiday - Honey Savior - is explained by the fact that starting from this time, the bees stop collecting nectar, and the collection of honey begins. Moreover, the honeycombs that were cut off first were specially left in order to be carried to the temple for consecration. It is believed that only after that it was possible to eat the collected honey.
When the Honey Savior came, the beekeepers put on festive clothes and chose the largest hive, which had 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 poppy heads were woven. Some of the consecrated plants were left in the house or near the entrance to protect the dwelling from evil spirits. And poppy heads were scattered around the barn with cattle, so that the witches did not steal milk at night and did not send diseases. Most of the bouquet was placed behind the icon. It is believed that there he radiates holy energy and will help in case of illness. Few people know that the Honey Savior, whose date falls on August 14, has another name - the Savior on the Water. This is due to the fact that on this day it was acceptedconsecrate wells and ponds, as well as arrange festivities near the rates, rivers and lakes.
Honey Spas: signs
For the Slavs, this day has long symbolized the beginning of farewell to summer. After it, the weather will become cooler, the days will be shorter and the nights will be longer. After this holiday, the Orthodox began to sow winter crops. It was believed that if this was done earlier, there would be a crop failure. Orthodox believe: if you bathe on this day, unrepentant sins will be forgiven.
