Church holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in May. Saint Nicholas Day
Many have heard of such a Saint as Nicholas the Wonderworker. The Orthodox greatly honor the holidays dedicated to him, and there are three of them in a year! So, for example, on August 11, believers first celebrate the birth of this Saint. And the nineteenth of December is the Day of the death of Nicholas the Wonderworker. And what is celebrated on May 22? The feast of Nicholas the Wonderworker on this day is dedicated to the transfer of the relics of the Saint. Why is this event so important?
The origin of the holiday
Of course, this holiday would not exist if it were not for Nicholas the Wonderworker. This man is not a legend, he really lived at the turn of the third and fourth centuries of our era. He was born into a rich family, his parents asked for a child for a very long time, and God sent them a son when Nikolai's mother promised that if a child was born, they would send him to study religion. It so happened that the parents of the future Saint died early, and Nikolai for a long time studied science, religion and was a hermit.
Nicholas really devoted his whole life to Christianity, and was one of the bishops who founded the first Ecumenical Council. As it is written in historical books, Nicholas helped everyone he could - he gave his fortune, which he began to own after the death of his parents, to the poor. He also saved his city from starvation, could resurrect sailors who fell overboard, and once saved the lives of several military leaders who were victims of slander. There is another story connected with this Saint. It says that Nicholas the Wonderworker found out about a family that had three daughters. They had no dowry, and their father decided to take advantage of their beauty in order to earn at least something. Nikolai decided to help the girls, and threw a bag of gold out the window - so the father could marry his first daughter. Then the situation repeated itself with the second daughter, and when Nikolai threw the bag for the third time, the overjoyed father caught up with him and fell at his feet. Nikolai said that the best gratitude for him would be if the father of his daughters did not tell anything to anyone.
When Nicholas died, place his relics in the temple, which was located in the city of Mira, where he was a bishop. And the relics of the Saint streamed myrrh. Thus, Nicholas the Wonderworker healed people even after his death. But in the eleventh century, an event occurred that gave rise to the holiday, which is celebrated on May 22. The Turks began to attack the Greek Empire, began to destroy temples and destroy all the shrines. At first, the Turks wanted to completely destroy the tomb where the relics of Nicholas were, but they mixed up and destroyed the neighboring one. But they never managed to return to their homeland, because a terrible storm began, and their ships went under water.
When people learned about such actions, they had a desire to save the relics of the Saint. So it happened with the merchants from the city of Bari. According to legend, one priest had a dream in which Nicholas asked to transfer his relics to this particular city. And then people went to transport the relics. At first they tried to bribe the monks guarding the shrine, and then they even used force. As a result, the relics of the Saint were taken from the tomb and delivered to Bari after 20 days. According to the new style, this day falls on the twenty-second of May. The relics streamed myrrh, healing the inhabitants of this city, and a year later they even built a temple in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The meaning of the holiday
Christians greatly revere this Saint, and when the question arises of who to turn to with prayers for help, the answer is obvious - Nicholas the Wonderworker. May 22 is a joyful day for everyone. Parts of the relics of the Saint are sent to temples, where believers can touch them in order to be healed.
This day is also revered by the people. There are many signs associated with it. They also call this day - May 22: Nicholas the Wonderworker Spring, that is, spring, and sometimes they say Summer Nicholas. People believe that after this day summer comes into its own, that it is already possible to swim, and it is already possible to drive the horses into the field.
May 22 is a special day in Orthodox calendar. It is on this day that believers celebrate the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It is also called Nicholas Summer, after all, the winter holiday is celebrated on December 19, and the autumn holiday on August 11. All these holidays are dedicated to one historical personality- St. Nicholas, who is revered by both Orthodox and Catholics.
Editorial World Travel today will tell you what kind of bright holiday it is and how to celebrate it.
Feast of Nicholas the Wonderworker in May
Why is Saint Nicholas Day celebrated three times a year? Essentially, these are three different holidays. In December, Nicholas is honored on the day of his death, and in August - on his birthday. The summer holiday marks the day when the relics of Nicholas were transferred to Bari.
Saint Nicholas is the most beloved saint of all believers, they go to him for the fulfillment of desires, help in business, it is from him that they ask for replenishment in the family and for the health of their children. The saint is considered the patron of wanderers, the needy, sailors, innocently convicted and children. Nicholas became famous for his good deeds and help to the suffering, and also went down in history as one of the main Wonderworkers.
The summer holiday of Nicholas has many folk traditions and customs that are not connected with the life of a saint, but are highly revered by believers. Today we will talk about the features, signs and prohibitions on this bright holiday.
Do's and Don'ts on Summer Nikola's Day
Now you know what to do and what not to do on St. Nicholas Day. In addition, do not forget that on this bright day you must definitely pray to cleanse your thoughts and heart. Strong prayer Nicholas the Wonderworker will definitely not be superfluous. Spend this day in the family circle, doing your usual activities and devoting time to prayers.
And do not forget that the Trinity holiday is coming soon, for which you also need to prepare, because there are special signs and prohibitions there.
Twice in a year Christian world the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (May 22 and December 19). Many signs, rituals and traditions are associated with this holiday. Nicholas is revered as a great miracle worker who is able to heal diseases. Most often, poor, homeless and sick people ask him for help, because only he is able to help them.
St Nicholas of Summer Day is one of the most revered christian church holidays. The celebration is timed to coincide with the day of the transfer of the relics of St. Nicholas to the city of Bari, located in Italy. In Orthodoxy, Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered the patron of children, couples in love, soldiers, merchants, merchants. In addition, the Saint is also the protector of people who have been undeservedly punished.
From year to year this holiday is celebrated on the same day - May 22 according to the new style (May 9 according to the Julian calendar). The name "Nikola Summer" is the most common. However, the celebration has many other names: Nikola Veshny, Nikola Saint, Summer Day, St. Nicholas, Nikola with Warmth, Grass Day, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Warm Day.
Feast of Nicholas of Summer in Christianity. What is the meaning of the holiday of Summer Nikola?
Since ancient times, it was believed that on Grassy Day, spring, finally losing ground, meets with summer. The sun no longer warms gently, its rays become truly burning. After Nikolin's day, a hot time usually set in. In Rus', this holiday was very much expected, it was of great importance for the Orthodox. Saint Nicholas was close to God and was considered one of his favorites.
In some villages, people even created special prayers in honor of Nicholas. In their prayers, they directly turned to the Saint, asking him for protection and patronage. By and large, the prayers addressed to Nicholas of Summer were practically no different from the prayers that were said in honor of the Lord. However, these prayers were never approved by the church canon.
The origins of the holiday
Honoring the memory of St. Nicholas of Summer began at the beginning of the 11th century, literally a few decades after the emergence of the Orthodox religion. The Greeks did not attach much importance to this holiday. For them, it was a reminder of negative events, since their country had lost the holy relics of Nikola.
At first, the memory of Nicholas the Wonderworker was honored only by the inhabitants of Italy. This is due to the transfer of the relics of the Saint at the end of the 11th century from Lycia to the church of St. Stephen, located in the Italian city of Bari. Adherents Christian faith living in other countries, Nikola of Summer was not accepted and was not considered as a grandiose celebration for the reason that all the attention and respect of the people was directed to the local Shrines.
Signs and rituals on the day of St. Nicholas the Summer
If during the prelude (22.05-10.06) the weather was damp and windy with showers and thunderstorms, it means that Nikola Summer is favorable, and at the end of summer it will be possible to harvest a rich harvest. Especially auspicious sign such weather was for the harvest of wheat.
If the croaking of frogs was heard on Nikola Veshny, it means that Mother Earth will bring generous gifts to people. Cereal and vegetable crops, fruits and berries will be born well.
“The Grace of God” and “Heaven pours rain on the earth, raises rich bread” - this is what they said if it rains on St. Nicholas of Veshny. And this weather promised a happy life this year.
Rainy weather on Nikolai Ugodnik marks an excellent harvest, and when frogs are heard singing in the morning, you can expect a lot of oats. An interesting weather omen is that if the spring season turns out to be cold, warm weather is expected until mid-autumn. Since ancient times, people believed that the last day of the year is the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Therefore, it is imperative to pay off all debts, otherwise the year will be unsuccessful. To protect his house from troubles, the owner must go around his yard in the morning. Last year's grain can only be sold when the holiday is over. Based on beliefs, on this wonderful day, you can not be afraid of various troubles. It was believed that the most worst enemies will be friends on the day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was on this holiday that people began to plant potatoes, buckwheat, cleaned the oat crop and drove horses out to graze at night. If a person meets a beggar or hungry, then it is necessary to help him. Otherwise, you can face these adversities yourself. Oats should definitely begin to be sheared from this holiday, this will not give the harvest an abyss.
It was believed that shearing sheep, planting potatoes and buckwheat on the day of St. Nicholas of Summer would bring good luck in all matters, a rich harvest, and getting rid of troubles.
According to one of the old signs, prayers addressed to the Lord and the Saints on May 22 have great power. People can ask for healing from ailments, an addition to the family, a meeting with a soul mate, forgiveness of sins. Saint Nicholas, who was close to God, will definitely help!
In order not to get sick all year, in the morning on Nikola Summer, people with all their families went out into the field and washed themselves with dew. Then health will be strong and no illness will cling. Some stripped down to their underwear and rolled on the grass, which was covered with dew. Thus, the whole body was washed with fertile moisture.
If Alder begins to bloom on May 22, then expect financial well-being soon. It was believed that the family, in whose yard the buds on this tree blossomed, would not experience material difficulties all year. There are cases when people after that found treasures, unexpectedly received an inheritance, won a large sum money.
Traditions on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer:
Since Nicholas the Wonderworker is the patron and protector of couples in love, young girls at dawn on May 22 prayed to the Saint that he would grant them a meeting with their soulmate. Unmarried girls asked Nikolai to send them good husband, generous, beautiful, hard-working, brave, kind.
It was on this holiday that young people often performed various rituals and fortune-telling. With the onset of evening, all the lonely young women went out into the street, took off their shoes and threw their left shoe out of the gate. If the girl's shoes flew far away, then after marriage she will go far from her home. The toe of the shoe indicated the direction from where the betrothed should be expected. When the shoes pointed to the house in which the young woman lives, then she will not see the wedding in the coming year.
Saint Nicholas also patronizes animals, including sheep and horses. By the day of St. Nicholas the Summer, fresh grass in the fields had already grown enough. Therefore, on the night of May 22, all owners of horses and sheep drove their cattle into the fields. Animals frolicked all night, ran, nibbling grass. In Rus', this ceremony was turned into a real spectacular show. And even today in some villages you can observe such an action. So that the horses and sheep would not run away, shepherds were assigned to them - young and physically strong men.
In the evening, before the start of the pasture of animals, a special dinner was prepared for the shepherds, consisting of their porridge and pies. Then bonfires were kindled around the perimeter of the large field. Few of the villagers went to bed early, because everyone wanted to watch the pasture of animals. Even small children were allowed by their parents to walk until midnight that day. A little later, when the villagers dispersed to their huts, girls, unmarried residents of the village, joined the shepherds. Then the real festivities began with dancing, songs and fun games. It was believed that on this night, boys and girls entered adulthood, so older relatives did not particularly control "hot young hearts."
In order for the harvest to be rich and the land to be fertile, at dawn people went out into the fields and gardens, stood facing the rising sun and performed a special ceremony. They read prayers addressed to Nicholas the Wonderworker, asking him to protect their lands, for generous gifts, for a well-fed existence.
How to behave correctly and what to do on the holiday of St. Nicholas of Summer?
In order for happiness to smile throughout the year, May 22 must be spent in prayers and caring for the family, home, and cattle. It is desirable that all household members, young and old, be busy with useful things.
In the morning and evening, it is advisable to pray to Nicholas Veshny and the Lord. You can ask God and the Saint for everything you need. If your prayers are sincere, and you really deserve what you ask for, you will definitely be rewarded.
On this day, you need to start sowing some crops. As a rule, buckwheat and potatoes were planted. It was believed that after the day of Nikola the Summer, it was pointless to engage in their landing. Firstly, there will be no decent harvest, and secondly, crops will not have time to spoil.
In the morning, after going to church and prayers, it is advisable to go to the bathhouse, take a good bath and change into clean or even new underwear. Outerwear should also be washed and ironed. In the process of bathing, you can read a prayer.
From the very morning, the housewives began to clean up the house, backyard territory, non-residential outbuildings where cattle were kept. Animals were intensively fed various delicacies. Artiodactyls and ruminants were grazed, the rest of the pets were walked.
Unmarried girls and unmarried guys changed into beautiful outfits after the bath. The guys put on shirts embroidered with gold, wide light-colored linen trousers, tied with satin belts. The girls dressed up in long sundresses, and multi-colored scarves were tied on their heads or wreaths with ribbons were put on.
After working in the field and having fun, all family members were supposed to gather at the table to enjoy a festive dinner. There are no special recommendations regarding the dishes on the table. They ate everything that God sent. Usually it was an unpretentious meal: milk, pancakes, chicken eggs, cheese, porridge, boiled potatoes, lard and all kinds of dishes prepared from the listed products.
There was an interesting rite to gain wealth. People put their empty wallets in a prominent place in the house. Someone even hung stencils to notify about problems with money. They believed that Nicholas the Wonderworker would see their grief with lack of money and would definitely help. In order for Nicholas to help fulfill a wish, a special ceremony was performed on this day. For its implementation, it is necessary to purchase an icon of St. Nicholas and forty candles bought in the church for the house. The image of the saint was placed on the table, and the candles were alternately lit around him. While they were burning, a person should express his wishes. People believed that he would definitely help if the desire was sincere and pure.
What can not be done on Nikola Summer?
On May 22, it was not worth it to be sad, to indulge in memories of past negative events, to be lazy. The only thing that should be abandoned regarding housework is knitting and sewing.
It is undesirable to use scissors and other piercing and cutting objects (kitchen utensils and garden tools do not count).
It was believed that if a person refuses to help the one who turned to him, he and his family will feel the need and fail for 7 years in a row. Remember, helping the poor, orphans and everyone who asks is one of the life rules that St. Nicholas always adhered to during his lifetime.
On a Warm Day, it is also undesirable to refuse anything (of course, within reasonable limits) to children. Nikolai Ugodnik is their patron, so all the kids need to make gifts. It is not necessary to buy something expensive, let it be simple gifts, such as souvenirs, toys, or their favorite treats. By tradition, gifts were always placed under the pillow for children or hidden in socks, which were then hung on a rope above the stove (fireplace).
On Grass Day, it is inappropriate to indulge in violent revelry. Dancing until you drop, strong alcohol intoxication and loud chants are unacceptable. It is also not welcome to clarify personal relationships, and even more so quarrels, scandals, fights. Swearing on May 22 means incurring failure.
Nikola Summer is a holiday that many people love, especially kids. This is a celebration dedicated to the end of spring and the beginning of the summer season. It is important to spend this holiday correctly so that St. Nicholas fulfills all your desires, becomes a patron and reliable protector for you and your family!
St. Nicholas - the most revered by the Russian people St. St. Nicholas showed mercy even to a person who committed terrible sin if he deeply and sincerely obeyed. So, he forgave the ruler of the city, who condemned the innocent for a bribe, and did not complain about him to the emperor. And he could be unexpectedly sharp: on Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, indignant at the stubbornness of the heretic Arius, he struck him on the cheek, for which the assembled bishops decided to deprive Saint Nicholas of the hierarchal (episcopal) rank. According to legend, he was even imprisoned. But the sign that the bishops received in a dream convinced them to return the saint's freedom. The meaning of his act for believers is by no means in permissiveness, but in active rejection of any untruth: the sharpness of the saint was caused by the same feeling that once prompted him to snatch the sword from the hands of the executioner. Saint Nicholas is also glorified as a miracle worker: miraculous healings and even resurrections from the dead took place through his prayers, storms at sea subsided, and the wind carried the ship to where the saint needed. The Church also knows many cases when prayers of believers to St. Nicholas turned into miracles even after his death. A quick and merciful helper to the afflicted, unmercenary and philanthropist, sensitively responding to the misfortune and pain of people; a strict pastor-mentor, keenly experiencing any untruth and resolutely rebelling against it - in these features of St. Nicholas, Orthodox see not a contradictory nature, but evidence of the living fullness of his holiness.
Today is a special day in: the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In the people this holiday is called Nikolay Summer. By tradition, the editors of I WANT to publish information about the signs of the day, as well as what not to do on St. Nicholas on May 22. Details later in the material.
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While everyone is preparing for, studying traditions and, as well, we have no less important information about another religious holiday.
May 22 is the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. People have long believed that he takes care of and helps all wanderers, those who are far from home, and, of course, children. Therefore, the feast of the saint is celebrated 2 times a year: in winter, on December 19, and in summer, on May 22. The spring holiday has many names: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Nikola summer, Nikola spring, Nikola with warmth, Grass Day, merciful Nikola, sea.
Traditions and signs on St. Nicholas May 22
On May 22, people have always looked at nature to predict the future, and also spent the day in a special way.
- On holiday summer Nicholas everyone tried to dress in new festive clothes in order to respect Nicholas the Pleasant. They knew that this saint was closest to the Lord and could fulfill people's requests.
- On this religious holiday, you can work: around the house, around the house, in the garden and in the garden. Therefore, the hostesses on this day tried to put things in order in the house, since the saint does not like disorder.
- If it rains on Nicholas, there will be a good harvest.
- Morning dew on Nicholas is considered healing, they try to wash themselves with it for beauty and health, to walk barefoot on the grass.
- It has long been believed that St. Nicholas patronizes lovers, so the newlyweds and those who were going to play the wedding asked for protection and help from the saint.
What not to do on Nicholas the Wonderworker: bans on Nicholas the Wonderworker on May 22
But also on the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker on May 22, some prohibitions work that all believers need to know.
- You can’t refuse Nikolai to anyone who asks you for help, otherwise the family will endure poverty and disaster for 7 years for refusing to help those in need.
- By the day of St. Nicholas, you can’t keep a debt, otherwise it won’t financial luck whole year. It is better to pay off debts before the holiday.
- On this day, it was forbidden to pick up scissors.
- It is also impossible not to get a haircut on Nicholas the Wonderworker.
The Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Russia is usually celebrated twice a year - on December 19 and May 22. He is considered a kind and compassionate helper to all, the poor, the sick and the destitute. That is why it is customary to turn to him with all the troubles. Since ancient times, St. Nicholas has been considered the patron of the seas and fields, and he also reconciles the warring and strengthens alliances.
Our ancestors believed that it was from the day of St. Nicholas that it became warm outside. The sign says: "Nikola would come, but it will be warm." Many other signs are associated with this day.
The Church says that May 22, spent in prayer and caring for others, will make the whole year happy. At the same time, it is necessary that all family members do useful things.
In the morning and in the evening, you should turn with a prayer to the Lord and Nikolai Veshny. A Christian can ask God and the Hierarch for everything that a person needs. If the prayers are sincere and the person deserves what he asks for, his desires will be heard.
Since ancient times, since the morning, women have been cleaning houses, plots near them and rooms for animals. The cattle were fed various delicacies, bathed and grazed. After the bath, young people dressed in beautiful outfits and gathered for entertainment events.
In the evening, all family members were to gather at the festive table. Usually, for dinner, the housewives cooked pancakes, porridge, boiled potatoes, served milk, cheese, lard, chicken eggs and a variety of dishes prepared from these products.
Prohibitions on Saint Nicholas Day
On May 22, it is strictly forbidden to be sad, remember bad events and be lazy. The only activities that should be abandoned today are knitting and sewing. It is forbidden to use scissors and other piercing and cutting objects. Exceptions are garden tools and kitchen utensils.
If Nikola is denied to someone in need of help, such a person and his family will fail for 7 years. It is worth remembering that helping the poor, orphans and the needy was the main life value of St. Nicholas.
Nikolai Ugodnik is the patron saint of children, so it is also advisable not to refuse them anything. You can buy them small gifts or sweets.
On May Day, one should not drink a lot of alcohol, sing or dance loudly. Loud quarrels with a showdown are prohibited - this can bring failure.
Folk signs on St. Nicholas
If the weather is wet and windy from May 22 to June 10, this means that Nikolai has blessed the seedlings of plants and at the end of summer one should hope for a rich harvest.
If the croaking of frogs is heard on Nicholas the Wonderworker, the soil will be fertile and will give generous gifts.
Ancient signs say that prayers on this day have special power. You can ask Nicholas for healing, meeting with a loved one, forgiveness of sins - the Saint will definitely help.
Morning dew on Nikola helps to heal the whole body. On this day, it is customary to wash yourself with morning moisture so that you do not get sick all year.
If alder blossoms on this day, you should expect financial success. There were cases that families won the lottery or received an inheritance if this tree blossomed in their yard on May 22.